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Module overview and objectives

In the previous module we mentioned the importance of starting process improvement initiatives by ensuring that we understand the direction that the organisation is going in, i.e. its vision, mission, objectives, strategy and tactics.
We identified two views of an organisation:
- The traditional ‘functional’ view in which processes are aligned to the functional structure and hierarchy of organisational units.
- The process oriented view of related sets of processes spanning the organisation.
We also identified the process modelling steps that we will be going through for the rest of the course.
In this module we will expand on the initial steps. Specifically we will:
- Describe how to create a process map to illustrate the ‘organisational view’
- Examine what is meant by the terms ‘value’ and ‘value proposition’
BCS syllabus for this module

The syllabus for this section states that the intention of the module is to ensure that exam candidates can create a diagram to represent the ‘key’ high level (‘organisational level’) processes; this form of diagram is referred to as a ‘process map’.
The focus of the diagram should be on those processes that directly support the main purpose of the organisation, e.g. sales to customers and purchases from suppliers. These are considered to be ‘primary’ processes.
The syllabus notes that whilst management and support processes (‘secondary’ processes), such as producing management reports, are important, they are of secondary importance in the context of the exam.
That said, candidates should be aware that we have seen exams produced by accredited providers where, for full marks, these secondary processes are required to be included on the process map diagram.
Note particularly the following terms specified in the syllabus:
Organisational model; Strategic context; Organisational view; Value proposition; Levels of hierarchy; High level processes; Organisation level process; Process; Process map.
Lessons
- Lesson: 1
Hidden – Strategic context
We create an 'organisational view' in the form of a process map and prepare for some popular exam questions.View lesson - Lesson: 2
Hidden – Relationships between processes
The organisational view shows the organisation's main processes and the relationships between them.View lesson - Lesson: 3
Hidden – Building an organisational view
A structured approach to creating an organisational view and answering related exam questions.View lesson - Lesson: 4
Hidden – Events and Outcomes
Summarising and extending our knowledge of events and outcomes, inputs and outputs.View lesson - Lesson: 5
Hidden – Business process customers
Customers can be internal as well as external. Exam questions can probe your understanding of these concepts.View lesson - Lesson: 6
Hidden – Delivering Value to Customers
We examine the concept of value and develop a value proposition. The process owner needs to be involved.View lesson