Affiliations: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77
Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Tel.: +1 617 253 8583; Fax: +1
617 258 7845; E-mail: rvalerdi@mit.edu
Note: [] Corresponding author: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77
Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. E-mail: cdb@mit.edu
Abstract: The focus of this paper is to describe the domain of enterprise
analysis. This is accomplished through an exploration of relevant definitions,
a discussion on boundaries, and a summary of practical implications for
researchers and practitioners. Specifically, we consider the perspectives of
stakeholders involved in small- and large-scale enterprise transformation, be
they executives in corner offices or line workers on the factory floor.
Anecdotes derived from research experiences with enterprise transformation
provide insight into current enterprise research opportunities. To illustrate
the domain of enterprise analysis, we identify three critical enterprise
attributes – structure, function and value delivery – and investigate how
these attributes can be used to influence boundary analysis, a discussion which
provides researchers and practitioners the ability to use enterprise thinking
as an invaluable tool to transform enterprises.
