From BPMN process models to DMN decision models

The interplay between process and decision models plays a crucial role in business process management, as decisions may be based on running processes and affect process outcomes. Often process models include decisions that are encoded through process control flow structures and data flow elements, thus reducing process model maintainability. The Decision Model and Notation (DMN) was proposed to achieve separation of concerns and to possibly complement the Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) for designing decisions related to process models. Nevertheless, deriving decision models from process models remains challenging, especially when the same data underlie both process and decision models. In this paper, we explore how and to which extent the data modeled in BPMN processes and used for decision-making may be represented in the corresponding DMN decision models. To this end, we identify a set of patterns that capture possible representations of data in BPMN processes and that can be used to guide the derivation of decision models related to existing process models. Throughout the paper we refer to real-world healthcare processes to show the applicability of the proposed approach

Tendências do BPM

Dissertação de mestrado integrado em Engenharia e Gestão de Sistemas de InformaçãoAtualmente, as organizações encontram-se inseridas em ambientes de mercado cada vez mais competitivos, deparando-se com várias dificuldades, em que face a estas, necessitam de encontrar soluções. Por essa razão, viram o BPM como uma solução para melhorar o seu negócio. Um dos objetivos do BPM é ter a capacidade de identificar, monitorar e otimizar processos de negócio cujo resultado final é um conjunto de atividades realizadas. Com base nesta monitorização e otimização, as organizações tornam-se capazes de identificar possíveis lacunas nos seus processos e com isto melhorá-los. Com isto, verificou-se a falta de informação existente cientificamente em relação à identificação de novas tendências para o BPM. Neste sentido, com este trabalho propomos realizar uma investigação seguindo a metodologia de pesquisa em Design Science Research, em que iniciamos uma pesquisa de levantamento de tendência seguindo a abordagem proposta por Webster e Watson (2002), com base em duas conferências internacionais em BPM de ranking elevado, em que se identificou os tópicos mais abordados como também problemas e soluções desde 2013 até 2015. Posteriormente, com informação recolhida ao longo de três anos, através da criação de um framework identificamos algumas tendências para o BPM, de forma a melhorá-lo. Para garantir a credibilidade dos resultados, através da criação de um inquérito por questionário realizou-se a avaliação dos resultados obtidos.Nowadays, the market gets more and more competitive, thus companies need to learn how to manage and find the right solutions for their business when facing challenges. For that reason, they saw BPM as a great tool to expand their business. One of the features of BPM is the capacity to identify, monetize and optimize processes within the business which ultimately allow for an aggregation of performed activities. Thanks to these features, the business have been capable of identifying possible gaps in their processes and how to improve them. With this, it was verified the lack of scientific information regarding the identification of new trends for BPM. Therefore, with this work we propose to conduct an investigation that follows the searching methodology in Design Science Research, where we initiate a search of lifting trends as proposed by Webster and Watson (2002). This is based on two international conferences on BPM, in which it identified the most discussed topics and also the problems and solutions since 2013 until 2015. After this investigation, with collected information over 3 years, through the creation of framework we identify some BPM trends. To approve this results, we created a survey that was held an evaluation of the final results

Establishing a multi-pillar decision-making framework for supporting the selection of green features and technologies in office projects within Australia

With recent global attention on the state of environment and climate change, sustainability solutions and outcomes are being integrated in the building and construction industry worldwide. However, the additional cost associated with sustainability requirements is a substantial hurdle to mainstream sustainability practices and outcomes. Project stakeholders and decision-makers contemplate implementing sustainability solutions in office projects. The inconsistency on determining the additional cost in achieving sustainability outcomes from historical studies causes more impediments for decision-makers and project stakeholders in the building and construction industry. To overcome this hurdle through efficient selection of green features and technologies, this research establishes a multi-pillar decision-making framework to achieve transparency in sustainability assessment leading to the development of sustainability outcomes in such projects. The research commences with a literature review of sustainability, Green Star rating tools, green office buildings in Australia, the inconsistent range of additional cost and different approaches associated with additional cost identified from historical studies. The research continues with the development of a multi-pillar decision-making (MPDM) framework as the primary research outcome, using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Triple Bottom Line (TBL) sustainability approach. AHP is employed for the primary reason of pair wise-comparison, which is the process of comparing pillars and sub-pillars of sustainability indicators in pairs encompassing the consideration of project sustainability priorities for evaluation by decision-makers and project stakeholders in office projects. Data input and framework establishment involved literature review, secondary data analysis, online survey and interview. The literature review assisted the identification of green features and technologies as well as the determination of sustainability pillars and sub-pillars used in AHP. The secondary data analysis provided the examination of green features and technologies available within Green Star-rated office projects in Australia. An online survey was undertaken for collecting participants¿ sustainability assessment towards these features and technologies. This survey also supported the initial establishment of the MPDM framework. Following this, the MPDM framework was validated by interviews for seeking feedback and undertaking refined modifications. The MPDM framework is the most important research outcome, essential for reducing the additional cost burden in the development of sustainability outcomes within office projects. Besides that, the ranking of green features and technologies is able to be used as a reference list for stakeholders to implement or add other green features and technologies to meet sustainability requirements in their projects. Also, the list of pillars and sub-pillars may be used to support sustainability assessment in such projects. Therefore, the MPDM framework established in this research forms the foundation for further research to support transparency in decision-making with respect to sustainability and office projects. It also can be used to develop other research related to this discipline in other types of buildings and other countries, beyond office building projects and Australia