NPO's Digital Integration of the Regional Associations with Umbrella Organisation
As part of the bachelor thesis, two recommendations were provided to a non-profit organisation, aiming to enhance the digitalisation of information exchange between the umbrella organisation and its regional associations.
Bächli , Adina, 2024
Type of Thesis Bachelor Thesis
Client Non-Profit Organisation
Supervisor Gatziu Grivas, Stella
Views: 14
The NPO has two head offices, located in Zurich and Lausanne, along with ten active regional associations. However, the regional associations operate independently from the umbrella organisation as they possess their own economic rights. While the entire organisation has interfaces for information exchange, each regional association uses its own tools and has set up its IT structures differently. Some even continue to work with analogue methods, such as Excel sheets. This initial situation leads to inefficient cooperation, where human and time resources could be better utilised elsewhere.
To enhance the interface between the umbrella organisation and the regional associations, the current situation must first be assessed. As digitalisation involves not only software tools but also the culture and background of the organisation, fifteen qualitative interviews were conducted with employees across the entire NPO to gain insights into the current situation. These insights were then analysed using the SWOT analysis and the Business Model Canvas approach. Based on this analysis, two recommendations were provided, which can be incorporated into the digitalisation strategy.
The study revealed that digitalisation is complex, with varying awareness and understanding among employees. Parallels between literature and practice were noted. Keywords like history, culture, resources, and understanding are crucial in digitalisation. Some regional associations do not see the need to invest in digitalising information exchange interfaces, while others view it as urgent. Therefore, the first recommendation for the umbrella organisation focuses on communication through a guideline first. It should present arguments for why digitalisation is important and ensure that all parties share the same goal. Additionally, suggestions for improvements have been made to existing software tools. The second recommendation for the regional association emphasizes collaboration with the umbrella organisation and highlights the importance of clarifying past misjudgments. Establishing a digitalisation strategy, with the consent of the entire organisation, is crucial. Without the whole organisation moving in the same direction, digitalising the interface will not be successful.
Studyprogram: Business Information Technology (Bachelor)
Keywords Digitalisation; NPO; integration; information exchange; Swiss NPO
Confidentiality: vertraulich