📌 The public defence of the doctoral dissertation will be held on 1st of October 2026 at 11 A.M., room 210.
Developing Digitally Supported Process Improvement Capabilities in Small and Medium Enterprises
The Dissertation was prepared 2013-2020 and 2026 at the ISM University of Management and Economics. The dissertation is defended on an external basis.
Supervisor:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Niels Gorm Maly Rytter (University of Southern Denmark, DK, Social Sciences, Management – S 003).
Summary:
SMEs operate under pressure to grow, digitalise, and meet rising expectations for quality and efficiency, making it critical to understand how they can develop systematic, digitally supported process improvement capabilities. Previous studies have examined digital technologies, process improvement approaches, and organisational capability development separately; however, little is known about how SMEs can integrate these into a coherent and sustainable approach. This dissertation aims to propose and evaluate a generic framework for developing digitally supported process improvement capabilities in SMEs and to identify key organisational mechanisms that support their adoption. The study draws on theories of process improvement, digitalisation, and organisational capabilities. Using Design Science Research, Action Research, and a longitudinal case study, it examines how ERP systems and Lean Six Sigma are integrated to serve as enablers for digitalisation, standardisation, and continuous improvement. Empirical research was conducted through a nine-year case study of SME transformation, using qualitative and quantitative data to assess productivity, quality, process orientation, and capability maturity. The findings provide an empirically grounded framework and identify four organisational mechanisms enabling SMEs to develop such capabilities. By linking digital support with structured process improvement, the dissertation offers practical recommendations for SME managers.
Defence council:
Chairperson: Prof. Dr. Ilona Bučiūnienė (ISM University of Management and Economics, Social Sciences, Management, S003)
Members:
Prof. Dr. Vita Akstinaitė (ISM University of Management and Economics, Social Sciences, Management, S 003)
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jannis Angelis (KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden, Social Sciences, Management, S 003)
Prof. Dr. Alfredas Chmieliauskas (ISM University of Management and Economics, Social Sciences, Management, S 003)
Prof. Dr. Valdonė Darškuvienė (ISM University of Management and Economics, Social Sciences, Management, S 003)
