A Simulation-Driven Business Process Reengineering Framework for Teaching Assignment Optimization in Higher Education—A Case Study of the University of Basilicata

This study presents a practical implementation of Business Process Reengineering (BPR) to streamline teaching assignment workflows at the University of Basilicata, a higher education institution (HEI) facing administrative inefficiencies exacerbated by rigid regulatory frameworks. By integrating process modeling, simulation, and digital tools, the research addresses systemic bottlenecks in resource allocation, transparency, and procedural delays inherent in traditional academic workflows. The methodology employs a dual-phase approach: (1) a detailed “AS-IS” analysis using BPMN 2.0 to map existing processes and (2) a data-driven “TO-BE” redesign validated through discrete event simulation (Simul8^®, Version 31). Key innovations include the automation of approval workflows, dynamic resource prioritization, and stakeholder communication protocols. Simulation results demonstrate a 35% reduction in end-to-end processing time and a 22% improvement in administrative staff utilization while maintaining compliance with national accreditation standards (the AVA framework) and legislative mandates (Law 240/2010). The case study underscores BPR’s role in balancing bureaucratic constraints with operational agility, offering actionable insights for HEIs navigating digital transformation. By prioritizing transparency and stakeholder alignment, the redesigned process not only enhances efficiency but also strengthens accountability in resource management—a critical factor for public institutions under increasing scrutiny for fiscal and educational quality outcomes. This work contributes to the growing discourse on BPR in academia, advocating for simulation-driven methodologies as catalysts for sustainable, stakeholder-centric process innovation in bureaucratic environments.