Change Management in Supply Chain:

Supply Chain Urbanization method

Hayat TAJRI Anas CHAFI

Laboratory of Industrial Technics Laboratory of Industrial Technics
Faculty of Sciences and Technics Faculty of Sciences and Technics
Fez, Morocco Fez, Morocco
tajrihayat@gmail.com anaschafi@gmail.com

Abstract—The changing market and technological
developments have led to profound changes that have challenged
the overall strategy of organizations. These are expected to
acquire new customers and keep the old ones, which encourages
them to review their supply chain strategy. This article details the
design steps for a new method of managing change in the supply
chain, based on the company's strategy, starting from the
analysis of three change management methods EKD-CMM,
SCOR and Urbanism SI.
Keywords — Supply Chain; Strategy; Change Management;
Change Management Method;
The IS Urbanization approach provides a more detailed and
broader view of the information system level [5]. It considers
the four visions illustrated in Figure 2: The vision of business
processes describing processes with their relationships; The
functional vision describing functions supported by the
information system; The application vision detailing the
software elements automating the information system; The
technical vision, describing the overall technical architecture.
Club Urba-EA, also provided a reference model with these four
visions [9].

I. INTRODUCTION
Current Supply Chains require, in addition to the constant
improvement of cost and productivity, global strategies based
on the strategic objectives of the company, paying particular
attention to customer needs [1]. The strategy creates a
company-specific supply chain that others will find difficult to
imitate [1]. However, setting up a supply chain strategy
requires a constant orchestration of decisions and actions [1].
Hence the value of a change management process to integrate
any new strategy into the supply chain.
Three methods of change management “Enterprise
Figure 1. Representation of the organization [2]
Knowledge Development - Change Management Method”
(EKD-CMM) [2], SCOR [3] and “Information System
Urbanization” (IS Urbanization) [4] [5] have been studied and
analyzed [6] to highlight key practices, which can help us to
design a hybrid method change management adapted to the
Supply Chain.
Before presenting these three methods, it is necessary to
present the vision of the organization according to various
approaches.

II. VISION OF THE ORGANIZATION

The organization is structured according to the EKD-CMM
[2] approach in three levels: the objectives at the first level or
the intentional level are supported by business processes at the
second level, supported in their turn by the information system
of the organization at last level [2]. These three levels are
closely related, the change on one will impact the two other [7]
[8]. (Figure 1) Figure 2. The four visions of the information system [5]

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 III. PRESENTATION OF THE THREE CHANGE METHODS • Validate the target and the convergence plan.

A. EKD-CMM method • Update Periodically the target and convergence plan to

The EKD-CMM method was developed to support the
stage of defining organizational change [2]. It is characterized
by:
• The use of models to represent the organization: its
current and future states and alternative impact
scenarios. It used the Jackson model [10] in particular to
represent these states.
• Reasoning on the intentional level by considering goals
as key elements of change. Thus, all the business
models generated and manipulated by the EKD-CMM
method are expressed at the intentional level:
maintain alignment with strategic objectives.
C. SCOR method
In order to respond to the environment changes and to
implement the strategic decisions of the company, the SCOR
model offers to the Supply Chain its ability to be flexible, due
to the possible configurations and reconfigurations [12].
The SCOR model provides an implementation method
consisting of the 5 phases [3]:
• Define Supply Chain processes, locate their problems
and define opportunities for improvement.

-
The intentional model of the present with
hierarchy of the current organizational
objectives;
- The intentional model of the future representing
the demands of the future;
- The contextual forces model describing the
factors driving the change;
- The model of impact scenarios indicating the
changes to be made to the current organizational
objectives to reach the vision of the future
envisaged.
• Un processus systématique et guidé permettant de
construire l’ensemble des modèles préconisés par la
méthode.
• A systematic and guided process to build all the models
recommended by the method.
The EKD-CMM method stops at the selection of one or set
of change impact scenarios to be implemented in the
organization. Change implementation activities are not
supported by the method.
• Determine root causes of problems and associate them
with processes.
• Examine the different ways to solve problems in their
individual aspects and in the overall aspect, and choose
the appropriate solution scenarios.
• Document new target processes, technologies and
organizations, taking into account selected solution
scenarios.
• Plan and initiate change projects
Thus, the three methods apply the same principle of change
management, but with respect to different perimeters:
organizational, supply chain and information system. Each of
methods is intended for one or more levels of the organization
(Figure 3) :

B. IS Urbanization method
The IS Urbanization method organizes the progressive and
continuous transformation of the information system aiming at
simplifying it, optimizing its added value and making it more
responsive and flexible with respect to the strategic evolutions
of the company, while relying on the technological
opportunities of the market [11]. The main phases of the
Figure 3. Change management by organization level with the three
method can be listed as follows [4] [5]: methods EKD-CMM, SCOR and IS Urbanization [6]
• Plan the study cycle of the IS Urbanization project
IV. ANALYSIS OF THE THREE CHANGE METHODS
• Review the strategic objectives of the information
system urbanization project, ensure the alignment of In this section, we will conduct a detailed analysis of the
these objectives with the business objectives and take EKD-CMM, SCOR and IS Urbanization methods, in order to
into account the potential impacts of the change. compare them and focus on the peculiarities of each one. For
ease of comparison, practices have been grouped by phase.
• Establish cartographies of the existing on the four
visions of the information system A. Plan the study
• Define the evolution target This phase is not covered by the EKD-CMM nor by the
SCOR methods, it’s specific to the IS Urbanization method. It
• Establish convergence plan to converge from the is a planning phase of the study that consists of preparing,
existing to the target.

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planning and managing the means and resources necessary for
the study success.
B. Review the strategic objectives
The EKD-CMM method base on the strategic objectives of
the company to generate its intentional models.
For the SCOR method, the strategic objectives are
predefined in the process performance measures. These
measurements are associated with realistic KPIs obtained by a
Benchmarking.
The IS Urbanization method analyzes the company's
strategic objectives in order to evaluate their consequences in
terms of its information / Informatics system. It ensures
alignment between the information system evolution objectives
and the business strategic objectives.
C. Analyze the existing
The EKD-CMM method aims:
• To abstract goals from processes in order to establish
the intentional model of the present.
• To establish the intentional model of the future based on
the requirements of the future
• To define the model of contextual forces based on the
origins of change.
Compared to SCOR, the analysis of the existing is done in
two steps,
• Step 1 is to define the scope of the SCOR project: we
start by elaborating the process cartography, then we
locate zones of the underperformance in order to define
the improvement opportunity.
• Step 2 determines the root causes of underperformance
through decomposition of metrics, then an association
of observed processes with performance issues
Analyze the existing for the IS Urbanization method
involves the following steps:
• Become acquainted with current architectures in their
technical, application and business aspects.
• Audit the architectures to evaluate the performance of
the information system and make proposals for
improvements.
• Define the broad outlines of the information system
evolution strategy.
• Define the main lines of processes evolution.
• Define urbanization rules.
D. Building Solution Scenarios
In the EKD-CMM method, the model of impact scenarios
is built based on the intentional model of the present, the model
of contextual forces and the intentional model of the future;
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For SCOR method, it's about looking at scenarios to solve
process problems, looking for best practices and technology
that have helped solve similar problems.
IS Urbanization method recommends to define scenarios
for setting up IS improvement opportunities.
E. Evaluate and select appropriate scenarios
For the three methods EKD-CMM, SCOR and IS
Urbanization, the solution scenarios are evaluated based on
criterias previously defined by the organization’s managers in
order to select one or more preferred scenarios.
F. Design the target
Unlike the SCOR method and the IS Urbanization method,
the target is defined for the EKD-CMM method before
establishing the change impact scenarios, based on the
requirements of the future.
For the SCOR method, it is about documenting new
processes, technologies and organizations.
To define the target for IS Urbanization method, it is
necessary to design the target business, functional and
application cartographies. It is also about designing the target
organization and operating procedures of the information
systems department
G. Start the change projects
This step is not covered by the EKD-CMM method, it is
covered by SCOR and IS Urbanization methods.
SCOR recommends creating a roadmap to implement the
changes:
• Define the projects to be implemented, bringing
together the changes that impact the same technologies,
organizations, products and the same processes.
• Define critical path and dependencies between projects.
• Prioritize projects based on expected return, business
strategy and other relevant projects.
• Launch and supervise projects.
As for IS Urbanization method, it proposes to establish a
convergence plan towards the target, through the definition and
scheduling of major deadlines and to oversee this convergence
plan.
H. Publication of the strategy
This step is not covered by the EKD-CMM method nor by
the SCOR method. It is specific to IS Urbanization, which
recommends having the validation of the information system
strategy and obtaining adherence to the target and the
convergence plan.
I. Update of the strategy
In the same way as the previous phase, this phase is not
also covered by the EKD-CMM method nor by the SCOR
method. It is specific to IS Urbanization and consists in
regularly maintaining the target and the convergence plan in improve on our context in relation to the definition of the
line with the strategic objectives. strategic objectives. It will be thus accompanied by the
intentional models of the EKD-CMM method to allow our
As we can see, the three methods treat change in distinct hybrid method to better define and analyze strategic objectives
but complementary perimeters. This has the advantage of on the first hand, and to have a developed change management
making the weaknesses of one method offset by the strengths for processes on the other hand.
of the two other methdes (Table 1):
The information system is strategic in the supply chain.
TABLE 1 : STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF THE EKD-CMM, SCOR AND IS
This is an important factor for its effectiveness through the
URBANIZATION METHODS exchange of data, information and knowledge sharing both
intra and inter-organizational [13]. Véronneau, Pasin and Roy
Méthode Strengths Weaknesses Recommendations [14] specify that continuous access to key information which
EKD-CMM 1- Establishes Stops at the level This method can be
organizational of definition of accompanied by helps on timely and appropriate decision-making is an essential
change definition organizational the two methods asset for today's Supply Chains [14]. For Halley, Beaulieu and
models that help change, does not SCOR and IS Roy [15], while flow synchronization relies more on
to understand the go until Urbanization to operational information, the ability to innovate and improve
current situation implementing manage the processes requires the exchange of more complex information
of the company, change. implementation of
establish a clear change in
[15].
vision of the processes and Thus, it is necessary to reflect on the mechanisms of
future, formalize information
the context of systems.
communication and information sharing in the Supply Chain.
change and This could be achieved by integrating the IS Urbanization
model the method into our hybrid method “Supply Chain Urbanization”.
scenarios of the
solution. The model of the Supply Chain Urbanization method will
2- Flexible, be based on the merger of the three previous methods EKD-
could be coupled CMM, SCOR and IS Urbanization. Each method will be used
with another in a specific level of the organization:
method.
SCOR 1- Allows change The strategic We can adopt the • EKD-CMM method for the organizational level, will
management in objectives are EKD-CMM allow a good analysis and definition of the objectives,
supply chain obtained from method for
processes to Benchmarking. intentional level
this to complete the failure in the SCOR method. We
improve and The method management in the will use the present model, the future model and the
align them with needs to be SCOR method. impact scenario model. The contextual forces model
strategic enriched by the will not be used. The SCOR method will provide the
objectives objectives of the necessary support to establish the EKD-CMM models.
2- Flexible, company.
could be coupled • SCOR method to analyze and improve the Supply
with another Chain processes organization. The improvement of
method.
IS 1- Provides a Doesn't take into Process change
processes in the IS Urbanization method is insufficient
Urbanization detailed process account the management can and lack in overall vision.
for managing improvement of be supported by
change in the the processes SCOR. Thus, the • IS Urbanization method to integrate the information
information organization in IS Urbanization system into Supply Chain change management, given
system, making the company. method can be its strategic character.
visible the These processes content with
necessary are improved one change We adopt for the development of our “Urbanization Supply
changes in the by one during management at Chain” method a mixed approach [16], using a top-down
light of the the urbanization information system approach on the global level and a bottom-up approach to
company's projects, without level. analyze the alignment between two levels:
strategy and starting from an
implement them overall vision. • The top-down approach consists of developing strategic
2- Flexible,
could be coupled
plans aligned with the business strategy that will be then
with another implemented [17][18].
method
• The bottom-up approach involves designers and users in
V. URBANIZING THE SUPPLY CHAIN the process [19][20].
In order to manage change in the supply chain, a hybrid Practices of the Supply Chain Urbanization method will be
method "Supply Chain Urbanization" will be built basing on structured by phase and organization level as illustrated in the
the best practices of the three previous methods. following paragraphs and figure 4 :
Since we are interested in managing change in the supply
chain, we will start from the "SCOR" method that is best
adapted to our context. This method has a weak point to

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Figure 4. Supply Chain Urbanization
A. Review the strategic objectives
Define the strategic objectives of the business, the
objectives obtained from the process performance measures
and those related to the information system:
• Analyzes the strategic objectives of the company in
order to evaluate their short, medium and long term
consequences on the business and the information
system.
• Ensures alignment between information system
evolution objectives, business strategy objectives and
those related to process performance
B. Analyze the existing
1) Process level
Define the scope of the Supply Chain Urbanization Project
(SCOR) :
• Develop cartographies of processes and associated
diagrams to understand high-level processes.
• Develop dashboards and perform benchmarking to
understand how the company's supply chain works
against similar supply chains. Locate areas of
underperformance
• Determine the concentration zones of the effort.
Then, determines the root causes of underperformance
through decomposition of metrics, then an association of
observed processes with performance issues (SCOR)
2) Intentional level
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Use process analysis results for abstracting goals from
processes and establish the intentional model of the present
(EKD-CMM, SCOR)
3) Information system level
• Take cognizance of the current technical and
application architectures (the process architecture is
already covered in the process level, the functional
architecture is not useful given its contributions).
• Audit the different architectures to locate the areas of
underperformance of the information system.
• At the end of the audit, define the main lines of the IT
evolution strategy at the process, functional, application
and technical levels, taking into account orientations of
the technological opportunities study.
C. Build the urbanization scenario
1) Process level
Examine the different ways to solve process problems
(SCOR):
• Look for best practices based on how to solve similar
problems;
• Describe scenarios to configure and organize processes
using information about possible practices and new
technologies.
2) Intentional level
Construct the impact scenario model based on the
intentional model of the present and the process problem
solving scenarios (EKD-CMM, SCOR)
3) Information system level
Define the scenarios for setting up improvement
opportunities, based on the main lines of the information
system evolution strategy.
D. Evaluate and select the appropriate scenarios
1) Process level
Once the different process configuration scenarios are
established, evaluate each scenario according to criteria before
selecting for each problem the appropriate scenario. All of
these solutions are the strategy to solve the global problem.
2) Intentional level
Preferred scenarios are selected based on the processes
improvement scenarios (EKD-CMM, SCOR)
3) Information system level
Evaluate the expected performance of information system
improvement scenarios according to criteria, eliminate the
worst performers and choose the appropriate scenario.
E. design the target
1) Intentional level
Establish the intentional model of the future based on the
intentional model of the present and the selected impact
scenarios. Modification: this model was established in the
EKD-CMM method at the analysis of the existing stage (As Is)
 2) Process level
Document new processes, technologies and organizations.
3) Information system level
Define the information system target:
• Design the target functional and application
cartographies.
• Design the target organization and operating procedures
of the Information Systems Department.
F. Launch the change projects
Create a roadmap to implement the changes:
• Define the projects to be implemented with the critical
path and the dependencies between the projects. The
goal is to minimize business risks and impacts, reduce
costs and improve turnaround times.
• Define Project Roadmap based on expected return,
business strategy and other relevant ongoing projects.
• Schedule and supervise projects.
G. Publicate the strategy
It is necessary to obtain from the key actors the validation
of the strategy of the urbanization supply chain project
(validation of the target and the project roadmap)
H. Update the strategy
Maintain consistency of target and roadmap projects with
strategic objectives.
VI. CONCLUSION
After the completion of this part, we aim to apply the model
in Supply Chain Service [21] [22]. Indeed, industrial
companies provide more and more industrial services in
addition to physical products. This shift to services has
introduced new challenges related to the supply chain in order
to provide services at the highest level of customer satisfaction.
In this sense, the company needs to integrate in its Supply
Chain strategies:
• focused on matching offer and demand to minimize
wait times for customers and idle time for resources
• Focus more on human to maximize employee
performance and other resources and to maximize the
customer experience [23] [24] [25].
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