Change processes happen at all levels of the economy. The focus of this DMR is the change of and within companies. This process of change, i.e. the transition from situation A to a new situation B, is called transformation. In contrast to evolution transformation is the result of a determined and desired transition which, however, due to the complexity of the effects and the speed of the change, doesn’t mean that all facets of the new situation will be known or can even be planned in advance.

Shortened cycles in organizations – whether in development, production or sales processes – accompanied by rapid developments in information and communications technology create market dynamics which influence the speed with which decisions have to be made as well as the extent of their effect. These dynamics are further intensified by the reduction in geographical distances and borders resulting from internationalization and globalization – and also by optimized logistics. The growing expectations of the customers, employees and shareholders lead to greater pressure and new challenges for companies. In short: organizations today have to react significantly faster to significantly greater changes in their situation if they want to remain successful in their markets.

The resulting need for constant transformation in terms of a forward-looking adaptation to changes in the environment has an effect on:

> strategies, e.g. concerning changes in customer requirements, internationalization or a new concentration on core business,

> human, technological and also ecological resources,

> structures and processes, i.e. organizational structure and processes,

> culture.