Limiting Variety by Standardizing and Controlling Knowledge Intensive Processes

This paper studies the effects of applying process improvement principles to knowledge-intensive processes, which are typical for being supported by Adaptive Case Management systems. The study is being completed by investigating a process of conducting a small-scale research project that results in BS or MS thesis being defended and graded. The research is a mixture of the case study at the department with which both authors are affiliated and reflections on own experience as active participants of the process. The preliminary results show that the improvement principles applied in the project have helped to smoothen the process and improve its outcome in terms of producing defendable theses that satisfy the requirements set by the relevant authority. However, it seems they might not positively affect other outcomes, like the size and quality of research contribution.