A recent graduate from Charles Sturt University has made significant advancements in business process management (BPM) systems through innovative research. This work has notably enhanced the efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness of these systems.
Dr. Luke Bartlett, who earned his Doctor of Information Technology degree from the Charles Sturt School of Computing, Mathematics, and Engineering, conducted his research while balancing full-time work in his industry. His study introduced the integration of virtual resources and work design principles into BPM architecture, which has resulted in the creation of commercial products now being used by major companies like RBC Group and JayB Enterprises.
Dr. Bartlett’s groundbreaking research received a commendation for the Vice-Chancellor’s Research Excellence Award 2024 – HDR Thesis of the Year, highlighting its significant contributions to the field.
According to Associate Professor Ashad Kabir, who supervised Dr. Bartlett’s research, traditional BPM systems often overlook the benefits of utilizing virtualized resources and effective workflow designs. He emphasized that Dr. Bartlett’s work aims to fill this gap by making BPM systems more adaptable, efficient, and user-friendly.
In Dr. Bartlett’s own words, his research focused on creating a BPM system that combines virtual resources—including remote workers and digital storage—with well-structured workflows and process optimizations. He conducted controlled studies in real-world settings that demonstrated how this integration boosts system performance in areas such as speed, productivity, cost, and user satisfaction.
Collaboration with industry partners, including RBC Group, JayB Enterprises, and Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (HP), was a critical element of the research. Dr. Bartlett noted that these partnerships allowed his work to be tested and refined in actual business contexts.
His research has led to several successful case studies, showcasing the tangible benefits of these BPM improvements in various commercial environments.
Professor Kabir pointed out that this research has had a positive impact both in industry and the wider community. He stated that it raised the benchmark for BPM systems, leading to improved effectiveness and competitiveness in business operations around the globe.
As a direct outcome of this research, several noteworthy commercial products have been developed, including:
- RBC Group has incorporated the findings into its docs2me platform, which now serves over 1,000 users worldwide, including businesses like QBD Books and Jen Retail.
- JayB Enterprises has implemented the work design principles in its Accounts Payable (AP) Automation system, achieving substantial labor savings and better operational efficiency. This system is also being adapted for other AP automation providers across Australia and works seamlessly with popular finance software like Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks.
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HP) has developed nine applications based on the research for its Workpath application platform, benefiting resellers globally. These applications support enhanced workflow solutions and have been installed on over 2,000 devices in multiple countries.
Professor Kabir highlighted that degrees like the Bachelor of Information Technology and Bachelor of Computer Science at Charles Sturt University provide a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing advanced research qualifications, such as a PhD.
