Understanding the basics of digital business transformation: A Minimal Viable Transformation (MVT) architecture and evidence from firms and women-led MSMEs in India

Rohit  Bansal

doi:10.55942/ccdj.v4i1.801

Authors

Rohit Bansal Rockford College

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55942/ccdj.v4i1.801

Keywords:

Digital transformation, Minimal Viable Transformation (MVT), Customer experience, Data analytics capability, Dynamic capabilities, Inclusion, MSMEs (women-led)

Abstract

This study develops and tests a Minimal Viable Transformation (MVT) architecture, five tightly coupled basics (strategy & culture; staff & customer engagement; process & innovation; digital technology; data & analytics) with an explicit inclusion spine, to convert “digital talk” into measurable performance. Using a multiphase mixed-methods design, we first translate each basic into observable indicators through 28 interviews and two design workshops across sectors and women-led MSMEs. We then validate the measurement model in a cross-sectional survey of 62 organizations (381 multi-role responses) linked, where permitted, to unit-level telemetry and financial/operational data. Finally, we run stepped-wedge field rollouts of 90-day improvement bundles to estimate causal effects. The measurement model supports a higher-order MVT construct. A one-SD increase in MVT is associated with higher customer trust/experience and operational performance, and, where financials are available, meaningful growth/margin uplift. Data & Analytics and Process & Innovation show the strongest direct links to operations, while Strategy & Culture and Staff & Customer Engagement are stronger predictors of trust/experience. Dynamic capabilities and data-driven decisioning partially mediate these effects; inclusion significantly amplifies them. In causal tests, a data-analytics bundle increases conversion and cuts release lead times within one quarter; a customer-journey bundle raises CSAT and reduces churn, effects that are 30–40% larger when paired with concrete inclusion actions. Among 142 home-based women entrepreneurs, lightweight versions of the basics (mobile storefronts, simple OKRs, basic SKU analytics) explain variance in revenue and repeat purchase. The results position MVT as a practical blueprint for firms and MSMEs to prioritize, instruments, and govern transformation, with ecosystem complements (incubators, mentoring) accelerating capability formation.

Author Biography

Rohit Bansal, Rockford College

Robit Bansal is adjunct faculty Rockford College in Sydney, Australia.

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