Digital transformation has become a strategic issue in the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia. However, its implementation often does not begin with a comprehensive understanding of business processes. Addressing this challenge, the Operations and Strategy Management Research Group (RG MOS), in collaboration with the Surakarta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), launched a community engagement program entitled “Business Process Literacy as the Foundation for Digital Solutions for SMEs” on Wednesday, 20 August 2025, at UNS Inn.
Drs. Yong Dirgiatmo, M.Sc., Ph.D., Head of RG MOS, stated in his remarks that this program is designed to assist SMEs in systematically identifying the structure and requirements of their business processes before adopting digital solutions. Through a research-based and simulation-driven approach, SME participants are equipped with analytical capabilities and foundational skills to formulate targeted digital strategies, rather than simply following trends.
According to Dr. Yong, many SMEs tend to immediately focus on digital tools such as social media, websites, or digital payment methods without first understanding their internal processes. In fact, effective digitalization can only be achieved if it is grounded in process efficiency, clarity of priorities, and accurate identification of real business challenges.
This community engagement program emphasizes that sound digital decision-making must begin with an understanding of business characteristics, including operations management, resources, marketing, finance, and sustainability.
Through an applied research approach, RG MOS introduced analytical methods such as the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Step-Laddering Technique to SME participants. These tools are used to identify business process priorities, recognize core problems, and formulate the most relevant and impactful digital solutions. The program, carried out by RG MOS over approximately nine months, began with a one-month field observation to map out the characteristics and fundamental needs of SMEs supported by the Surakarta Chamber of Commerce.
In the following stage, the group conducted a two-month decision-pattern introduction, focusing on analytical tools to understand how SMEs make decisions in facing their business challenges. For the next two months, RG MOS organized workshops and simulations on digitalization decision-making based on actual business processes, equipping SMEs with the skills to develop their own digital strategies. In the sixth month, the group conducted a one-month evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the approach. The final three months were dedicated to preparing the final report and drafting academic publications as outcomes of the program.
In its implementation, RG MOS also opened opportunities for collaboration with other institutions, including information technology teams from the banking sector and relevant financial institutions, to support the adoption of secure and affordable digital solutions. This initiative not only addresses the urgent need for effective digital transformation but also represents a concrete contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through a structured and collaborative applied research approach, this program promotes managerial and digital literacy (SDG 4), strengthens the capacity of small businesses to grow inclusively and sustainably (SDG 8), facilitates technology adoption tailored to real business needs (SDG 9), and fosters synergy between academia, business actors, and entrepreneurial organizations such as KADIN (SDG 17). This initiative forms an important foundation for building a local economic ecosystem that is adaptive, innovative, and capable of addressing the challenges of the digital era through strategies rooted in a deep understanding of business processes.
With her distinguished career in the national banking sector and her current position as Senior Vice President at PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, Bunga has inspired many, not only through her achievements but also through her consistency in upholding integrity, hard work, and the spirit of lifelong learning. In her session, she encouraged students to take pride in being part of UNS and to use their university years as a foundation for building their future. “Dreams are free, so dream as high as you can. Once you have a vision, the most important thing is persistence in realizing it. Keep working tirelessly, without stopping,” she remarked.
Beyond academics, Bunga underlined the importance of involvement in campus organizations. She stated that active participation develops leadership skills, builds networks, enhances communication abilities, and strengthens teamwork. Concluding her presentation, she emphasized that students should go through three essential stages.
Tak hanya soal akademik, Bunga juga menekankan pentingnya keterlibatan dalam organisasi kampus. Ia menyebutkan bahwa aktif berorganisasi bisa melatih jiwa kepemimpinan, membangun relasi, meningkatkan kemampuan komunikasi, serta mengasah kerja sama tim.
In his remarks, Prof. Bhimo Rizky Samudro, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., Dean of FEB UNS, explained that the meeting was initiated as a preparatory step prior to the Introduction to Campus Life for New Students (PKKMB), which will take place from August 19 to 23, 2025. “We are grateful to be able to connect with all of you. By the time your children are admitted as students at FEB, they become part of the FEB UNS family. It is our responsibility, starting from the Dean Office to the Study Programs, to oversee various aspects of their academic activity, including teaching and learning process, as well as student organizations. However, FEB cannot achieve everything by ourselves; we need your contribution and collaboration, thus, students can complete both academic and non-academic program smoothly,” he conveyed.
Prof. Bhimo also highlighted FEB UNS achievements at both national and international levels. He further explained that the Dean Office has adopted a policy requiring students to engage in at least one non-academic activity through Student Activity Units (UKM) or Student Organizations (Ormawa). This is intended to support their academic abilities while also helping them develop skills such as public speaking and foreign language proficiency.
Following the Dean’s address, the event continued with presentations from Vice Dean for Academic and Research Affairs, Prof. Tri Mulyaningsih, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D.; Vice Dean for Non-Academic Affairs, Sutaryo, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., Ak., CA., CRA., CRP., ACPA.; and Vice Dean for Student and Alumni Affairs, Tastaftiyan Risfandy, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D. Parents were also given the opportunity to engage in discussions with the Dean Office, followed by a session with each Head of Study Program (Kaprodi).
The materials were presented by Hamidah Dwi Nita, assisted by Meifaza Ainur Rosyidah and Cindi Nandita Dewi. Participants engaged in hands-on practice, from data cleaning and variable construction to applying descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. The session also discussed techniques for creating informative graphs and reproducible reports to enhance the quality of academic publications and ensure transparency in the analysis process.
The Stata Training Class served not only as an educational program but also as a refresher for lecturers who had previously used Stata. Revisiting the fundamentals while learning advanced features helps maintain research quality and ensures skills remain up to date with current data analysis developments.