How Collaborative Technology Supports Cognitive Processes in Collaborative Process Modeling: A Capabilities-Gains-Outcome Model

We examine which capabilities technologies provide to support collaborative process modeling. We develop a model that explains how technology capabilities impact cognitive group processes, and how they lead to improved modeling outcomes and positive technology beliefs. We test this model through a free simulation experiment of collaborative process modelers structured around a set of modeling tasks. With our study, we provide an understanding of the process of collaborative process modeling, and detail implications for research and guidelines for the practical design of collaborative process modeling

''Modeling with tools is easier, believe me'' - The effects of tool functionality on modeling grammar usage beliefs

Increasingly, studies are reported that examine how conceptual modeling is conducted in practice. Yet, typically the studies to date have examined in isolation how modeling grammars can be, or are, used to develop models of information systems or organizational processes, without considering that such modeling is typically done by means of a modeling tool that extends the modeling functionality offered by a grammar through complementary features. This paper extends the literature by examining how the use of seven different features of modeling tools affects usage beliefs users develop when using modeling grammars for process modeling. We show that five distinct tool features positively affect usefulness, ease of use and satisfaction beliefs of users. We offer a number of interpretations about the findings. We also describe how the results inform decisions of relevance to developers of modeling tools as well as managers in charge for making modeling-related investment decisions

How Software Promotes the Integration of Sustainability in Business Process Management

Business research and practice increasingly focus on integrating sustainability in organizations. To contribute to rising challenges related to the society and the environment, sustainability-driven concepts (e.g., environmental friendly)have to be implemented in the daily business routines, and thus, need to be considered during the design of business processes in any organization. In this study, we conceptualize the field of Green Business Process Management (BPM)and use the derived concepts to classify supporting modelling tools and concrete software features. While our study indicates a lack of realization of the ecological and social sustainability in particular and a gap in supporting users during the redesign phase, there are software features that can potentially serve as a starting point to further incorporate sustainability in the design, implementation, and controlling of business processes

Conceptual modeling research in information systems: What we now know and what we still do not know

Much of conceptual modeling research over recent times has been guided by a seminal research agenda developed by Wand and Weber (2002), which identified twenty-two research opportunities. In this paper, we explore whether existing research has provided sufficient answers to these questions. Our findings from a review of the literature show a dialectic: several of the opportunities noted in 2002 have been addressed substantially while others have been entirely neglected. We also found several path breaking studies that addressed problems not spotted by the initial framework. To stimulate a forward-looking wave of conceptual modeling research, we provide a new framework that draws the attention of conceptual modeling research to the interplay between digital representations and outcomes

How Software Can Support Innovating Business Models: A Taxonomy of Functions of Business Model Development Tools

The interest in business model innovation has risen rapidly in recent years, and software tools for business model development hold great promise for supporting business model innovation. Nonetheless, virtually no design-relevant knowledge exists concerning the functions that such tools should possess. Therefore, we develop a comprehensive taxonomy that identifies characteristic functions of software-based business model development tools. For developing the taxonomy, we draw on prior research on business model innovation, process modeling, and creativity support systems, and we analyze software tools for business model development that have been proposed in practice. The resulting taxonomy can support practitioners in their tool (re-)design and investment decisions, and for researchers can serve as a preliminary step towards more advanced theories for software tools for business model development

The applicability of Process Mining to determine and align process model descriptions

Within the HU University of Applied Sciences (HU) the department HU Services (HUS) has not got enough insight in their IT Service Management processes to align them to the new Information System that is implemented to support the service management function. The problem that rises from this is that it is not clear for the HU how the actual Incident Management process as facilitated by the application is actually executed. Subsequently it is not clear what adjustments have to be made to the process descriptions to have it resemble the process in the IT Service Management tool. To determine the actual process the HU wants to use Process Mining. Therefore the research question for this study is: ‘How is Process Mining applicable to determine the actual Incident Management process and align this to the existing process model descriptions?’ For this research a case study is performed using Process Mining to check if the actual process resembles like the predefined process. The findings show that it is not possible to mine the process within the scope of the predefined process. The event data are too limited in granularity. From this we conclude that adjustment of the granularity of the given process model to the granularity of the used event data or vice versa is important

Conceptual Modeling in Human Resource Management: A Design Research Approach

In this paper, we introduce conceptual human resource modeling (CHRM) as a new methodical paradigm in HRM. To this end, we employ a design research approach. On a general level, we identify general tasks that CHRM can tackle and general solutions that it can provide. On a concrete level, we use the specific problem of employee assignment as an example and develop a specific CHRM solution for this HR task. By using the prototypical CHRM tool, we show how one can solve practical HR tasks based on CHRM. Finally, we discuss the lessons learned and implications for future research in CHRM

Design Principles for Leveraging Sustainability in Business Modelling Tools

Sustainability has become increasingly important to business research and practice. Approaches that support fundamental changes in behaviour to act economically, ecologically and socially are required. Modelling and analysing business models can contribute to this, for example by generating new ideas and enabling innovation as well as improving and evaluating current businesses. Although, the interest in business model innovation is booming, and software tools for business model development hold great promise for supporting business model innovation, there is only limited support and guidance for a tool-support that enables a satisfactory consideration of sustainability. Furthermore, there is currently a lack of comprehensive knowledge concerning which features can contribute to this consideration, and how they can be implemented. In this article, we report on the results of design science research (DSR) study that develops a set of design principles for reflecting sustainability in business models, which are refined and evaluated in several cycles. Our findings can support practitioners in (re-)designing tools, selecting and innovating business models, and—for researchers—can serve as a step towards more advances theories regarding software tools for sustainability in business modelling as well as for creating new business model ideas

The impact of working memory and the "process of process modelling" on model quality: Investigating experienced versus inexperienced modellers

A process model (PM) represents the graphical depiction of a business process, for instance, the entire process from online ordering a book until the parcel is delivered to the customer. Knowledge about relevant factors for creating PMs of high quality is lacking. The present study investigated the role of cognitive processes as well as modelling processes in creating a PM in experienced and inexperienced modellers. Specifically, two working memory (WM) functions (holding and processing of information and relational integration) and three process of process modelling phases (comprehension, modelling, and reconciliation) were related to PM quality. Our results show that the WM function of relational integration was positively related to PM quality in both modelling groups. The ratio of comprehension phases was negatively related to PM quality in inexperienced modellers and the ratio of reconciliation phases was positively related to PM quality in experienced modellers. Our research reveals central cognitive mechanisms in process modelling and has potential practical implications for the development of modelling software and teaching the craft of process modelling