Integrating simulation in organizational design studies

Designing organizational structures can be a complex and demanding task, on e that can be greatly assisted by the use of carefully developed models. In this paper we investigate the efficacy of business process simulation (BPS ) in the context of the process paradigm of organizational design. The prob lem and its characteristics are presented, and BPS-specific issues and mode ling considerations are discussed. Combined with generic simulation and cha nge management theories, these issues are used to drive the development of a methodology for integrating simulation in organizational design studies. Additionally, we argue for the development of a design theory of BPS to sup port the establishment and proliferation of this new and exciting research field. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.