Doctoral project: a framework for holistic transformation

The problem: fragmented transformation

Companies have to cope with digital transformation, risk management and cultural development at the same time. In practice, however, these areas are often considered separately: technical disciplines concentrate on structure and processes, cultural approaches on awareness and values, and strategic decisions are frequently made without a systematic framework. This leads to inefficiencies, resistance and failed projects.

Research question

How can companies shape digital transformation sustainably by integrating capabilities, objects and models of consciousness in a holistic framework – while synchronising risk management, IT security and cultural development?

Sub-questions

How can capabilities, objects and models of consciousness be connected in a coherent framework?
How can the Dilts pyramid be used as a psychological framework for recognising and resolving blockages on all levels?
How does the object hierarchy – from the data object to the information model – contribute to strategic decision-making?
How can Spiral Dynamics and Theory U be integrated into practical approaches to EAM, ITSM, BPM and IT project management?
What effect does the framework have on risk management and IT security?

Methodology and timeline

The work is to be grounded both theoretically and empirically. With a daily investment of around four hours, a period of four to five years is planned.

Phases of the doctoral research project
Phase	Duration	Content
1. Literature review and framework development	12 months	Analysis of EAM, ITSM, BPM, IT project management, IT security and data protection; examination of Spiral Dynamics, Theory U and the Dilts pyramid; first version of the framework
2. Empirical study	18–24 months	Case studies in 2–3 companies; interviews, workshops, observations and surveys
3. Analysis and discussion	12 months	Success factors, blockages, learning processes; refinement of the framework
4. Writing and defence	12 months	Writing the dissertation, incorporating feedback, preparing the defence

Relevance

Academic

Systematic connection of capabilities, object hierarchy, models of consciousness and IT management approaches
Interdisciplinary: business informatics, organisational psychology, change and risk management
Combination of literature analysis, framework development and empirical validation

Practical

Synchronising technology, processes and culture in digital transformation
Well-founded make-or-buy decisions based on the capability map and the object hierarchy
Adaptable to companies of different sizes and industries

Frequently asked questions

What is the aim of the doctoral research project?

The aim is to develop and validate a holistic framework that connects capabilities, information objects and models of consciousness and helps companies to shape digital transformation, risk management and cultural development together.

Which disciplines are involved?

Business informatics, organisational development, change management, IT management, and work and organisational psychology.

Can companies take part?

Yes. For the empirical phase, two to three companies are being sought in which the framework will be applied as a case study – for example in a digitalisation project or a cloud migration.

Doctoral research project: a framework for holistic transformation