In January 2019, the anthology "The Enterprise Transformation Cycle"The Enterprise Transformation Cycle, to which numerous authors from transformation management practice and business research have contributed, has been published. In this interview, the editors Prof. Dr. Mario Pfannstiel and Prof. Dr. Peter Steinhoff describe their experiences with the project and explain what makes the Enterprise Transformation Cycle a transformation approach.

"The Enterprise Transformation Cycle" strengthens TCI's positioning as transformation experts - Interview with Mario Pfannstiel and Peter Steinhoff

Katja Heumader: You launched your book project on the "Enterprise Transformation Cycle" just over a year ago. What made you want to publish a book on the subject?

Mario Pfannstiel: The Enterprise Transformation Cycle is a recognized tool that has been used by consultants in the business world for many years to transform corporate processes in various industries. However, the findings and experiences from these projects have never been collected and published until now. The aim was to combine this expert knowledge in a book and summarize it in a structured way. With this book, Prof. Steinhoff and I wanted to create a reference book that supports decision-makers in the planning, implementation and organization of change projects and provides a framework for action

Peter Steinhoff: We also wanted TCI to be perceived more strongly by our (potential) customers as a "transformation management consulting firm". It is therefore also aimed at managers and decision-makers who need to analyze, implement and develop strategies. We - as transformation experts - can provide the necessary support - through consultants who provide the necessary inspiration and thus accompany, guide and support transformation processes. With the contributions in the book, we were able to show that we have a great deal of expertise and practical experience in this area.

KH: What other goals did you pursue with the book project?

MP: The TCI itself should also benefit from this book project, as it helps to harmonize external perceptions, empirical values and internal views through intensive reflection on the method. In addition, the basic work on the "Enterprise Transformation Cycle" has created a concrete application manual that our partners can use as a practical guide. The book is a pilot for a series of related books, and we are already preparing the second volume.

PS: This book was also a very personal endeavor. We dedicated the book to TCI founding partner Wolfgang Hellriegel, who sadly passed away in 2017. He had significantly shaped TCI and the "Enterprise Transformation Cycle" over the last 15 years.

Promoting knowledge transfer between theory and practice

KH: Now you have the results in your hands. What conclusions do you draw after the successful conclusion?

MP: I am very satisfied with the result. We have created something new that is of interest to many players in business and science. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many authors in particular, who have contributed their expertise and a great deal of passion.

PS: We would also like to thank Springer Verlag, who will also be publishing our second volume. Publishing a book like this with more than 30 authors is a huge organizational challenge. To finally hold it in your hands is a good feeling. The response from the market and from colleagues shows that we have succeeded in publishing a high-quality basic work on the Enterprise Transformation Cycle. I am very satisfied. We have already had more hits and clicks on our book than we thought possible (laughs).

KH: Did you also hit a nerve in the zeitgeist with the book? The Digitization is currently presenting almost all companies with major challenges.

PS: This positive response shows how topical the issue of transformation is, especially in the context of digitalization. With the ETC, we have provided a method that can be used to support and manage such a transformation in companies.

KH: The close interlocking of practice and theory in your book is particularly interesting.

MP: Yes, with the book we have also shown that successful collaboration and book publication is possible between science and business. Universities are needed as knowledge producers of methods, tools, approaches, procedures, instruments and tools, while companies and consultants can benefit as knowledge consumers. The expansion of partnerships in the field of research is necessary so that application-oriented research and knowledge transfer to industry can take place.

KH: Dear Mr. Steinhoff and Mr. Pfannstiel, thank you very much for the interesting interview. I wish you every success with your book "The Enterprise Transformation Cycle" and good perseverance for the planned volume 2!

"The Enterprise Transformation Cycle"- published January 2019

The Transformation Consulting International has been supporting national and international transformation projects in companies for many years. This extensive practical experience has now resulted in the volume "The Enterprise Transformation Cycle"published by the renowned Springer-Verlag, edited by Mario A. Pfannstiel and Peter F.-J. Steinhoff. In the 400-page anthology, numerous authors describe the extensive applicability of the agile and flexible "Enterprise Transformation Cycle" approach in theoretical and conceptual articles as well as in practical case studies.

Source cover picture: colores-Pic / stock.adobe.com