The use of boundary spanning objects in Digital Transformation projects

Abstract

The completion of projects that are carried out across multiple fields of an organization depends on the ability to span the boundaries between these fields. This also applies to digital transformation projects. Nowadays, the IT infrastructure of an organization is becoming more essential for the functioning of the organization. This leads to more organizations that are concerned about their digital side. Organizations tend to set up digital transformation projects to improve their IT infrastructure to a better fit for their organization. Therefore, they need practical tools to support the digital transformation process and create a common vision across stakeholders. This research describes how the Operating Model Canvas (OMC) and the Business Activity Model (BAM) serve as boundary spanning objects in digital transformation projects. To be able to do this, a literature study on boundary spanning and a comparative case study with digital transformation projects was conducted. The OMC and BAM can support boundary spanning activities in digital transformation projects by ensuring there is someone on the client's side that will take on a boundary spanning role and propagates the OMC and the BAM within the rest of the company. Other contributing factors are the urgency of the problem related to the assignment and the open attitude towards the project of all stakeholders.