Collaborative Business Process Management - A Literature-based Analysis of Methods for Supporting Model Understandability

Due to the growing amount of cooperative business scenarios, collaborative Business Process Management (cBPM) has emerged. The increased number of stakeholders with minor expertise in process modeling leads to a high relevance of model understandability in cBPM contexts. Despite extensive works in the research fields of cBPM and model understandability in BPM, there is no analysis and comprehensive overview of methods supporting process model understandability in cBPM scenarios. To address this research gap, this paper presents the results of a literature review. The paper identifies concepts for supporting model understandability in BPM, provides an overview of methods implementing these concepts, and discusses the methods’ applicability in cBPM. The four concepts process model transformation, process model visualization, process model description, and modeling support are introduced. Subsequently, 69 methods are classified and discussed in the context of cBPM. Results contribute to revealing existing academic voids and can guide practitioners in cBPM scenarios

Visualizing Business Ecosystems: Applying a Collaborative Modelling Process in Two Case Studies

Business ecosystems are increasingly gaining relevance in research and practice. Because business ecosystems progressively change, enterprises are interested in analysing their ecosystem, to identify and address such changes. In order to gain a comprehensive picture of the business ecosystem, various stakeholders of the enterprise should be involved in the analysis process. We propose a collaborative approach to model and visualize the business ecosystem and we validate four central roles in the modelling process. The process consists of six steps, namely the definition of the business ecosystem focus, instantiation of the model, data collection, provision of tailored visualizations, collecting feedback and adapting the models, and using the visualization ‘to tell a story’. In this paper, we report case studies of two companies that have instantiated ecosystem models

A framework for co-located collaborative business process modelling using touch technologies

In recent years the field of Business Process Modelling (BPM) has gained increasing attention from both the business and research communities. One of the primary drivers for BPM is the improved understanding of Business Processes (BPs) and the competitive advantage gained over competitors. In addition, BPM can improve communication in an organisation and facilitate increased support for change management. BPM is a collaborative activity that needs to be carried out in a team environment, and Collaborative Business Process Modelling (CBPM) promotes improved readability, accuracy and quality of process models as well as a reduced workload for modellers. In spite of the increased popularity of CBPM, there is limited research related to the collaborative nature of the modelling tasks performed by modellers and specifically to the synchronisation of shared process models. In addition, tools and techniques to support CBPM do not support this synchronisation effectively or efficiently. This study proposes a conceptual framework for CBPM using touch technologies in a colocated collaborative environment. The main research problem addressed by this study is that modellers experience difficulties conducting BPM activities in a co-located collaborative environment. In order to address the research problem and clarify and elaborate on the problems of CBPM, a two-fold approach was undertaken. Firstly, after an in-depth literature review, a BPM survey was designed and then sent to modellers in South African Information Technology (IT) consulting companies in order to provide a more in-depth understanding of the status and challenges of CBPM in IT consulting organisations. The results revealed that available BPM software do not adequately cater for CBPM and software tools do not enforce versioning and synchronisation. In addition, hardware constraints were reported as well as problems with integrating different parts of the process model that the modellers were working on. The results of the survey also showed that the positive aspects of CBPM are that ideas could be shared and overall there is a better understanding of the BPs being modelled. The second part of the problem elaboration consisted of usability field studies with participants from both education and industry using a traditional popular BPM software tool, Enterprise Architect (EA). Whilst several benefits of CBPM were confirmed, several challenges were encountered, particularly with regard to the integration and synchronisation of models. To overcome the problems of CBPM, a framework was developed that allows for co-located CBPM using tablet PCs. The framework includes a developed prototype of the BPMTouch software which runs on tablet PCs, as well as some theoretical aspects of CBPM. The BPMTouch software supports effective and efficient CBPM and the synchronisation of process models since it allows multiple modellers to work together on one BP model, with each modeller using his/her own tablet. If one modeller makes changes to the model, the changes are immediately reflected on the tablets of the other modellers since the changes to the model are updated in real time. Modellers cannot draw on the same model simultaneously, however, everyone can see what the active modeller (active participant with the green flag) is doing. Other participants can then become the active modeller and make changes to the model once the flag has been released and re-allocated. The results from the field studies, industry surveys and usability evaluations were all incorporated into the BPMTouch software tool design and into the aspects of CBPM in order to assist with the process of co-located CBPM using touch technologies. Usability evaluations were carried out in which industry and student participants used BPMTouch to create an integrated model and simultaneously and synchronously create a process model. The evaluations of the BPMTouch prototype revealed that participants prefer this system over traditional BPM software since the BPMTouch removes the need for post modelling integration. The theoretical contribution of the framework consists of aspects proposing that organisations should take the potential benefits and challenges of CBPM into consideration and address the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) before embarking on a CBPM project. These aspects can help with decisions relating to CBPM. The use of this framework can improve the quality of process models, reduce the workload of modellers and in this way increase the success rate of CBPM projects

Identification and design of the processes of the Computer Laboratory, Technological Faculty of the Francisco José de Caldas District University using the standard notation for modeling processes (BPMN)

El proyecto de grado “Identificación y Diseño de los Procesos del Laboratorio de Informática, Facultad Tecnológica de la Universidad Distrital Francisco José De Caldas utilizando la Notación Estándar para Modelar Procesos (BPMN)” tiene como finalidad obtener conocimiento detallado del funcionamiento del laboratorio y documentar apropiadamente la información obtenida, para facilitar a la organización la implementación de una gestión basada en procesos. La propuesta metodológica se caracteriza por un enfoque Button UP, en donde primero se hace un levantamiento de la información basada en los registros y las evidencias existentes, luego se hace una consecución de los principales formatos establecidos por el SIGUD, para dar cumplimiento a los lineamientos y políticas institucionales establecidos por la Universidad en su plan de desarrollo 2018-2030. En el modelamiento se hace una descripción clara y detallada del funcionamiento de las actividades, procedimientos, formatos, guías e instructivos del Laboratorio de Informática con el fin de tener un diagrama completo de fácil entendimiento para todas las partes interesadas, por su sencillez, eficacia y facilidad de lectura, proporcionando un mayor rendimiento en los procesos.The degree project "Identification and Design of the Processes of the Computer Laboratory, Technological Faculty of the Francisco José De Caldas District University using the Standard Notation for Modeling Processes (BPMN)" aims to obtain detailed knowledge of the operation of the laboratory and document appropriately the information obtained, to facilitate the organization of the implementation of a process-based management. The methodological proposal is characterized by a Button UP approach, where first a survey is made of the information based on the existing records and evidence, then an achievement of the main formats established by the SIGUD is made, to comply with the guidelines and institutional policies established by the University in its 2018-2030 development plan. In the modeling, a clear and detailed description of the operation of the activities, procedures, formats, guides and instructions of the Computer Laboratory is made in order to have a complete diagram that is easy to understand for all interested parties, due to its simplicity, effectiveness and ease of reading, higher performance in processes