Strategic Management of Complexity

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1. Introduction
• 1.1. Issues of the Thesis
• 1.2. Structure of the Thesis
• 2. Complexity as a typical Characteristic of Companies
• 2.1. Complexity as a Phenomenon of Nature
• 2.2. Typical Mistakes by Managing Complexity
• 2.3. Complex Qualities of Companies
• 3. Choice of a Strategic Framework
• 3.1. The Holistic Approach as a Framework for Analysis
• 3.1.1. Break with the Reduction of Complexity
• 3.1.2. Increasing Importance of the Soft Skills
• 3.1.3. Information Systems with Holistic Character
• 3.2. The Balanced Scorecard as a Holistic Approach
• 3.1.1. Fundamentals of the BSC Analysis
• 3.2.2. Transfer of the Strategy
• 4. Necessity of a Fifth Perspective "E-Business"
• 4.1. Reason: Complexity of the E-Business
• 4.1.1. E-Business as a Complex Managing Method
• 4.1.2. Complex Characteristics of E-Commerce (Internet)
• 4.2. Enlargement of the BSC-Analysis
• 4.2.1. Advantages of an additional Perspective and Formal Conditions
• 4.2.2. Consequences of the Enlargement for the BSC-Architecture
• 4.3. Fundamentals of a BSC-Analysis of the E-Business Perspective
• 4.3.1. Strategic Business Areas of the E-Business
• 4.3.2. Typical E-Business Strategies
• 5. Case Study of a Real Estate SME
• 5.1. Analysis of the E-Business Perspective
• 5.1.1. Strategic Business Areas of E-Business
• 5.1.2. Analysis of the Value-Chains that contain E-Business-Elements
• 5.2. Cause-and-Effect Relations of the E-Business Perspective
• 5.2.1. Relevant Goals System
• 5.2.2. Possible Measures
• 5.2.3. Choice of Initiatives
• 5.3. Implementation of the BSC-Analysis
• 5.3.1. Design of a Ratio System
• 5.3.2. Evaluation
• 5.3.3. Interpretation

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis aims to analyze the strategic management of complexity in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), specifically focusing on the integration of e-business within a Balanced Scorecard (BSC) framework. The research explores how a holistic approach, utilizing the BSC, can effectively address the challenges posed by increasing complexity in modern business environments.

• Strategic management of complexity in SMEs
• The role of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) in managing complexity
• Integration of e-business as a fifth perspective within the BSC
• Analysis of value chains incorporating e-business elements
• Case study application of the BSC framework in a real estate SME

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

Chapter 1 introduces the research problem and outlines the thesis structure. Chapter 2 explores the nature of complexity within companies and common managerial errors. Chapter 3 presents the Balanced Scorecard as a holistic framework for managing complexity. Chapter 4 justifies the necessity of adding an e-business perspective to the BSC and elaborates on its integration. Chapter 5 details a case study of a real estate SME, analyzing its e-business perspective, value chains, and the implementation of the modified BSC.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Strategic management, complexity, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Balanced Scorecard (BSC), e-business, e-commerce, holistic approach, value chain analysis, case study, real estate.