In the cooperative research project KEBAP, we are investigating the possibility of expanding IT support for business processes in SMEs at the lowest possible expense. The resulting solutions should be adaptable to different application contexts.

We are investigating whether and how the use of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in SMEs can be implemented for process automation purposes in a way that is financially feasible and achievable in terms of human resources. For this purpose, both technical framework conditions and the use of reference models for the reuse of technical components will be researched.

In summary, the proposed research project should answer the following research questions:

• Reference modelling of digital transformation: What contribution does reference modelling of procedures and processes (i.e. information models) provide to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of digital transformation?
• Technical reference modules for process automation: How should technical reference modules be designed to increase efficiency and effectiveness?

The research results are developed in close cooperation with the participating companies and introduced into teaching via transfer structures.

This research project is funded at the Fachhochschule Südwestfalen by the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (Förderkennzeichen 13FH034KX0).

Responsible researcher: Peter Alois Francois

The German Research Foundation (DFG) has funded a new research project on the Governance of Lightweight IT. We will start opening applications for pre/post-doc positions soon.

Lightweight IT refers to a new class of technologies and a corresponding knowledge regime, driven by users' needs for solutions and enabled by the consumerization of digital technology. Examples include mobile apps, low code development platforms, or robotic process automation. These solutions, however, put the IT governance function under a lot of pressure. Best practices to govern lightweight IT solutions in various contexts are needed.

In our three-year research project “Governance of Lightweight IT”, we want to study the following questions:

• Which internal and external contextual factors influence the governance of lightweight IT?
• How do different governance approaches in different contextual settings influence the success of lightweight IT usage?
• What are best practices for organizations to design their IT governance for lightweight IT?

This research project is funded at the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Projektnummer 541177056

Find more information here: https://tm.ris.uni-due.de/research/research-grants-funding/ 

The DigiTei project provides a focused investigation into the digital participation of households affected by poverty to identify the specific barriers and needs they face. Addressing the current lack of insight into their real-world digital practices, the project utilizes qualitative interviews and a representative CATI survey to examine which digital devices these households use, what practical skills they possess for everyday tasks, and how these capabilities impact their broader social inclusion. A key element of the research is a differentiated analysis along sociodemographic factors (e.g., age, employment status, migration background) to reveal the distinct challenges of various subgroups. The ultimate goal of this systematic analysis is to develop practice-oriented recommendations tailored to effectively support and promote digital participation for this vulnerable group.

Funded by: Ministry for Labour, Health and Social Affairs of North Rhine-Westphalia