Information Systems and Transformation Management

Our Mission

Information Technology is transforming vast areas of our daily lives. New technologies are fundamentally changing the way organizations work. Research over the last decades has shown: on the journey of digital transformation, "technology itself is only part of the complex puzzle that must be solved for organizations to remain competitive in a digital world" (Vial, 2019).

In our group, we explore the interplay of digital technologies and transformation, keeping a holistic view of organizations, ranging from processes to business models and management styles. Here, we take a strong information systems perspective focusing on the socio-technical interplay of humans and technology. Through practice-oriented research, we aim to identify, develop, and generate direct benefits for society, organizations, and individuals. Overarching, we examine questions on three (mutually interacting) levels:

  • Guide the organization: How can digital transformation be managed to leverage technologies for innovation and competitive advantage?
  • Guide the process: How can automation and analytics technology be deployed to enhance and optimize business processes?
  • Guide the technology: How can (lightweight) technology be leveraged to optimize value for the organization?

Led by Ralf Plattfaut, we are an interdisciplinary team of information systems, management, and behavioral scientists committed to pushing the boundaries of academic research, teaching, and business collaboration.

 

Latest News of the Chair

 Di., 19. Mai 2026

Gastvortrag von Yellow Automation/Guest Lecture of Yellow Automation

How Yellow Automation transforms processes at Commerzbank using modern robotic process automation technologies and software robots (called "CoBee")
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 Mi., 06. Mai 2026

Guest Lectures on Qualitative Research and AI Applications

We are pleased to invite you to the following guest lectures. The event will take place on 20 May 2026 from 10:00 to 12:00 in room R09 R01 H02. The event features two talks: The first talk is titled “Qualitative Methods: How...
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 Di., 05. Mai 2026

Digital process transformation in the age of digital transformation

Einladung zum Gastvortrag von Yellow Automation // Invitation to the Guest Lecture of Yellow Automation
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 Mo., 04. Mai 2026

Event Announcement: KI trifft Personalprozesse (A Practical Look into AI in HR)

We are excited to announce an upcoming event at the Process Innovation and Automation Lab (PIA Lab) at the University of Duisburg-Essen. The event will focus on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming Human Resources (HR)...
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 Do., 23. Apr. 2026

New PIA Lab Platform Offers Free Digital Tools for Students

The Process Innovation and Automation Lab (PIA Lab) has launched a new platform that gives students free access to a range of digital tools and practice-oriented content. Hosted on a local university server, the platform includes...
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 Do., 23. Apr. 2026

Girls Day 2026 at the PIA Lab

Introducing young people to the world of technology early on is one of the most effective ways to inspire the next generation of digital thinkers. Providing hands-on experiences where abstract concepts become tangible is key to...
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