ASSESSMENT GUIDE

ITC708

Business Process Modelling and Management

Semester 2, 2025

Assessment Overview

Note: * denotes ‘Hurdle Assessment Item’ that students must achieve at least 40% in this item to pass the unit.

Referencing guides

You must reference all the sources of information you have used in your assessments. Please use the IEEE referencing style when referencing in your assessments in this unit. Refer to the library’s referencing guides for more information.

• https://elearning.vit.edu.au/pluginfile.php/473840/block_html/content/VIT%20Library%20Refer encing%20-%20IEEE%20-%2007042020.pdf

Academic misconduct

VIT enforces that the integrity of its students’ academic studies follows an acceptable level of excellence. VIT will adhere to its VIT Policies, Procedures and Forms where it explains the importance of staff and student honesty in relation to academic work. It outlines the kinds of behaviors that are "academic misconduct", including plagiarism.

Late submissions

In cases where there are no accepted mitigating circumstances as determined through VIT Policies, Procedures and Forms, late submission of assessments will lead automatically to the imposition of a penalty. Penalties will be applied as soon as the deadline is reached.

Short extensions and special consideration

Special Consideration is a request for:

• Extensions of the due date for an assessment, other than an examination (e.g. assignment extension).
• Special Consideration (Special Consideration in relation to a Completed assessment, including an end-of-unit Examination).

Students wishing to request Special Consideration in relation to an assessment the due date of which has not yet passed must engage in written emails to the teaching team to Request for Special Consideration as early as possible and prior to start time of the assessment due date, along with any accompanying documents, such as medical certificates.

For more information, visit VIT Policies, Procedures and Forms.

Inclusive and equitable assessment

Reasonable adjustment in assessment methods will be made to accommodate students with a documented disability or impairment. Contact the unit teaching team for more information.

Contract Cheating

Contract cheating usually involves purchasing an assignment or piece of research from anotherparty. This may be facilitated by a fellow student or friend or purchased on a website. The unauthorised use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also considered cheating. Other forms of contract cheating include paying another person to sit an exam in the student's place.

Contract cheating warning:

• By paying someone else to complete your academic work, you don’t learn as much as possible if you did the work yourself.
• You are not prepared for the demands of your future employment.
• You could be found guilty of academic misconduct.

• Many of for pay-contract cheating companies recycle assignments despite guarantees of

  “original, plagiarism-free work”, so the similarity is easily detected by Turnitin.

• Penalties for academic misconduct include suspension and exclusion.
• Students in some disciplines are required to disclose any findings of guilt for academic misconduct before being accepted into certain professions (e.g., law).
• You might disclose your personal and financial information unsafely, leaving yourselfopen to many risks, including possible identity theft.
• You also leave yourself open to blackmail - if you pay someone else to do an assignment, they know you have engaged in fraudulent behaviour and can always blackmail you.

Grades

We determine your grades to the following Grading Scheme:

Assessment Details for Assessment Item 1: Business Process Modelling for Process Improvement

Objective:

The aim of this assignment is for students to showcase their in-depth understanding of Business Process Modelling (BPM) by analyzing and evaluating a complex business scenario, its operations, and workflows. The focus is on identifying inefficiencies within an organization and recommending improvements by leveraging modern methodologies and technologies relevant to the given context.

Scenario:

You are a consultant engaged by Global Finance Solutions (GFS), a prominent financial services provider offering a wide range of banking and financial products. GFS has been encountering difficulties related to operational inefficiencies, delays in customer service, and redundant workflows. Your role is to conduct a thorough assessment of the company's existing business processes, identify key challenges, and suggest process enhancements using BPM techniques and contemporary technologies.

Task Description:

1. Evaluation of Existing Business Processes:

• Examine the current business processes at GFS, including operational workflows, customer interactions, data management, and decision-making frameworks.
  • Identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas requiring improvement to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.

1. Proposing Process Enhancements:

• Recommend targeted process improvements by utilizing BPM methodologies such as process mapping, workflow redesign, automation, and optimization techniques.
  • Provide a well-supported rationale for each recommendation, focusing on feasibility, expected benefits, and alignment with GFS’s strategic objectives.
• Integration of Modern Approaches and Technologies:

• Explore innovative approaches and emerging technologies, including robotic process automation (RPA), AI-driven analytics, and cloud-based solutions, that can be applied to resolve efficiency issues.
  • Explain how these technologies can optimize operations, minimize costs, and improve overall business performance at GFS.

Report Structure (Total: 25 Marks):

Your report should be approximately 1500 words and structured as follows:

1. Introduction (3 Marks):

• Present an overview of GFS, highlighting its current operational challenges.
  • Define the purpose and objectives of the report, outlining the scope of the analysis and proposed improvements.

1. Analysis of Existing Business Processes (6 Marks):

• Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of GFS’s current business processes, identifying inefficiencies and areas requiring refinement.
  • Utilize BPM tools and techniques to systematically map and analyze these processes.

1. Recommendations for Process Improvements (10 Marks):

• Provide well-defined recommendations for processenhancements based on theinefficiencies identified.
  • Justify each suggestion by considering feasibility, anticipated benefits, and alignment with GFS’s long-term goals.

1. Application of Modern Approaches and Technologies (4 Marks):

• Discuss relevant modern methodologies and technologies that can be implemented to streamline GFS’s operations.
  • Explain how these solutions contribute to process efficiency, cost reduction, and enhanced business outcomes.

1. Conclusion (1 Mark):

• Summarize the key insights from your analysis and proposed solutions.
  • Highlight the potentialimpact of implementing therecommended process improvementsand technologies.

1. References (1 Mark):

• Cite all sources in a proper academic or professional format (e.g., IEEE, APA).

Submission Guidelines:

• Format: Submit a well-structured report (approximately 1200-1500 words) in a professional format suitable for business analysis.
  • Language: Use clear and concise language, avoiding unnecessary technical jargon.
    • Sources: Ensure all information is properly cited from credible sources (academic journals, industry reports, reputable websites).

Assessment Criteria:

• Analysis of Business Processes: Depth and accuracy of the analysis conducted on GFS’s business processes and efficiency issues.
• Process Improvement Recommendations: Appropriateness and feasibility of the proposed process improvements, supported by strong justifications.

• Application of Modern Technologies: Relevance and clarity in discussing modern approaches and technologies applicable to improving

  GFS’s operations.

• Clarity and Presentation: Clarity of writing, organization of ideas, and adherence to report structure.
• Critical Thinking and Insight: Demonstrated ability to apply BPM concepts and modern technologies to real-world business challenges.

Marking Rubric:

Note: All work is due by the due date and time. Late submissions will be penalized at 20% of the assessment final grade per day, including weekends.

Assessment Details for Assessment Item 2: Project Proposal (Group)

Assignment Overview

This assignment is designed to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, enhancing your skills in business process analysis and improvement using BPMN. Your proposal should reflect a deep understanding of the selected business situation and provide practical solutions for enhancing process efficiency.

1. Introduction (5 marks)

   1. Business Situation and Context (2 marks)

Select one of the following detailed business situations and describe its context. Provide specific details about the process issues or challenges being faced:

1. E-commerce Customer Service Optimization

Context: An online retail company is experiencing significant delays in customer service response times. Customers report dissatisfaction due to long wait times and unresolved issues. The current process involves manual tracking of queries through email and phone, leading to inefficiencies and inconsistent service quality. The company aims to enhance response times and overall customer satisfaction.

1. Manufacturing Production Line Efficiency

Context: A mid-sized electronics manufacturer is facing delays and high defect rates on its production line for assembling smartphones. The process includes stages such as assembly, quality control, and packaging. Inefficiencies like machine breakdowns and workflow bottlenecks have led to increased downtime and defective products. The company seeks to streamline the production process and reduce defect rates.

1. Healthcare Patient Scheduling System

Context: A busy urban hospital is struggling with an outdated patient scheduling system, resulting in frequent appointment overlaps and long wait times. The system fails to account for changes in patient schedules or medical staff availability, leading to inefficiencies in patient flow. The hospital aims to modernize its scheduling system to improve patient experience and optimize resource utilization.

1. Retail Inventory Management

Context: A national retail chain is dealing with inventory management issues, including frequent stockouts and overstock situations. The company’s inventory system is not effectively aligned with real-time demand, resulting in lost sales due to stockouts and excess inventory elsewhere. The goal is to enhance inventory accuracy and reduce discrepancies between inventory levels and actual demand.

1. Financial Services Fraud Detection

Context: A major financial institution is facing challenges with detecting fraudulent transactions across its network. The current system relies on outdated algorithms that are ineffective against sophisticated fraud techniques, leading to increased financial losses. The institution aims to upgrade its fraud detection system to better identify and prevent fraudulent activities in real-time.

1. Objectives (3 marks)

Clearly state the objectives of your project proposal:

• To assess and analyze current approaches and technologies in business process management relevant to the selected business situation.
• To recommend the most suitable analytics methodology for addressing the identified process inefficiencies.
• To develop a BPMN-based data model for diagnosing process issues and recommending improvement strategies.

1. BPMN-Based Research Questions (5 marks)

Develop three BPMN-focused research questions that your proposal will address:

1. How can BPMN be applied to model the current process in the chosen business situation to clearly visualize process flow, tasks, and decision points?

1. What inefficiencies or bottlenecks can be identified through BPMN modeling, and how can these insights be used to improve the process?
2. How can the BPMN diagram be used to propose actionable improvements and enhancements to the business process, ensuring better alignment with desired outcomes?

3. Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) (15 marks)

   1. Overview of BPMN (3 marks)

Provide an overview of Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN). Explain how BPMN is used to visualize, analyze, and improve business processes. Include a brief description of BPMN's main elements such as processes, events, gateways, and tasks.

1. BPMN Application to Chosen Business Situation (5 marks)

Apply BPMN to your selected business situation. Create a BPMN diagram that models the current process related to the chosen scenario. The diagram should include:

• Process Flow: Visual representation of the sequence of activities in the process.
• Events: Key events that trigger or end processes.
• Gateways: Decision points that affect the process flow.
• Tasks: Activities performed in theprocess.

1. Analysis Using BPMN (5 marks)

Analyze the BPMN diagram to identify inefficiencies or bottlenecksin the current process. Discuss:

• Process Bottlenecks: Areas where delays or inefficienciesoccur.
• Inefficient Activities: Tasks that are redundant or could be streamlined.
• Improvement Opportunities: Potential changes that could enhance process efficiency.

1. Recommendations for Process Improvement (2 marks)

Based on your BPMN analysis, provide recommendations for improving the process. Suggest specific changes to address identified issues and enhance overall process performance.

1. Practical Issues (5 marks)

   1. Data Accessibility and Quality (2 marks)

Explain how you will ensure data accessibility and maintain data quality:

• How you will obtain necessary data from relevant stakeholders.
• Methods for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the data collected.

1. Implementation Feasibility (2 marks)

Discuss the feasibility of implementing your proposed solutions:

• Identify the resources needed for implementing the recommendations.
• Outline strategies for engaging stakeholders and securing their support for the changes.
  1. Evaluation and Measurement (1 mark)

Describe how you will evaluate the success of your recommendations:

• Define Key PerformanceIndicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of the improvements.
• Outline mechanisms for collecting feedback and making iterative adjustments as needed.

1. Expected Outcomes (5 marks)

Describe the expected outcomes of your project:

• A comprehensive assessment of business process management approaches and technologies related to the chosen business situation.
• Recommendations for the most effective analytics methodology.
• A detailed BPMN diagram and analysis for diagnosing process issues and suggesting actionable improvement strategies.

1. Conclusion (5 marks)

Summarize the importance of the project and how your recommendations will address the identified issues. Highlight how your BPMN analysis and proposed solutions will contribute to improving process efficiency and effectiveness.

Submission Instructions:

• Form a group and select one of the detailed business situations.
• Prepare a comprehensive project proposal addressing all sections outlinedabove.
• Ensure your proposal is well-organized, with a particular focus on BPMN analysis, and provides clear, actionable insights and recommendations.

Marking Rubrics:

Assessment Details for Assessment Item 3: Project Report (Group)

Note:* denotes ‘Hurdle Assessment Item’ that students must achieve at least 40% in this item to pass the unit.

Objective:

To build on the achievements from Assessment 2, your group will deliver a final report and presentation that demonstrates your capability to achieve the project goals set out in your proposal. This report will present a suite of critical findings, strategic advice, and actionable measures for improving business processes. You will also address impacts on organizations and society where relevant. Each group member will complete a peer review report and a self-reflective report as individual submissions.

Assignment Overview:

This assignment will culminate in a comprehensive final report and an oral presentation that encapsulate the findings and recommendations based on the previous assessments. Your work should reflect a practical application of business process analysis using BPMN, demonstrating your ability to enhance process efficiency and address broader organizational impacts.

Deliverables:

1. Final Report
2. Oral Presentation
3. Peer Review Report (Individual)
4. Self-Reflective Report (Individual)

1. Final Report:

   1. Executive Summary
      • Provide a brief overview of the project, including the selected business situation, main findings, and key recommendations. Ensure that the summary is concise and tailored for executive stakeholders.
   2. Detailed Business Situation Analysis
      • Revisit and elaborate on the business situation described in Assessment 2. Include a thorough analysis of the process issues and challenges, integrating any new data or insights obtained during the project.

1. BPMN-Based Analysis
   • Present a refined BPMN diagram based on any updates or changes since Assessment 2.
     • Analyze the diagram to highlight key inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement.
     • Provide a detailed discussion of how BPMN modeling has contributed to understanding and addressing the identified issues.

1. Strategic Recommendations
   • Offer a comprehensive set of recommendations based on your BPMN analysis. Include actionable measures, strategic advice, and specific steps for process improvement.
     • Discuss the potential impact of these recommendations on organizational performance and societal implications.

1. Implementation and Evaluation Plan
   • Outline a plan for implementing the proposed changes, including necessary resources, stakeholder engagement strategies, and risk management considerations.
     • Define Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of the implementation and describe how feedback will be collected for iterative improvements.

1. References and Appendices
   • Include all relevant references, data sources, and appendices that support your report. Ensure proper citation of all materials used.

1. Oral Presentation

   1. Presentation Content
      • Prepare a professional presentation summarizing the key findings, recommendations, and implementation plan from your final report.
      • Ensure clarity in presenting complex information and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the business processanalysis.

1. Delivery and Engagement

Deliver the presentation confidently and professionally. Engage with the audience, handle questions effectively, and demonstrate teamwork in the presentation delivery.

1. Peer Review Report

   1. Evaluation of Group Members
      • Assess the contributions of each group member, including their participation, quality of work, and collaboration throughout theproject.
      • Provide constructive feedback and justify your evaluations.

1. Reflection on Team Dynamics
   • Reflect on the team dynamics, communication, and overall effectiveness of the group. Discuss any challenges faced and how they were addressed.

1. Self-Reflective Report

   1. Personal Contribution
      • Describe your individual contributions to the project, including specific tasks you undertook and how your work contributed to the overall success of the project.

1. Learning and Development
   • Reflect on what you have learned throughout the project. Discuss how the experience has enhanced your skills in business process analysis and BPMN, and how it has prepared you for future professional challenges.

Assessment Criteria:

• Clarity and Depth: Depth of analysis and clarity in presenting findings and recommendations.
  • Practical Application: Effectiveness in applying BPMN to real-world business situations.
    • Strategic Thinking: Quality and feasibility of strategic recommendations and implementation plans.
    • Professionalism: Quality of the final report, presentation delivery, and individual reflections.

Marking Rubrics: