Managing time-awareness in modularized processes

Managing temporal process constraints in a suitable way is crucial for long-running business processes in many application domains. However, proper support of time-aware processes is still missing in contemporary information systems. This paper tackles a particular challenge existing in this context, namely the handling of temporal constraints for modularized processes (i.e., processes comprising subprocesses), which shall enable both the reuse of process knowledge and the modular design of complex processes. In detail, this paper focuses on the representation and support of time-aware modularized processes in process-aware information systems. To this end, we present a sound and complete method to derive the duration restrictions of a time-aware (sub-)process in such a way that its temporal properties are completely speci\ufb01ed. We then show how this characterization of a process can be utilized when reusing it as a subprocess within a modularized process. As a motivating example, we consider a compound process from healthcare. Altogether the proper handling of temporal constraints for modularized processes is crucial for the enhancement of time- and process-aware information systems

Managing the Potential of Modularization and Standardization of MEP Systems in Industrial Buildings - Guidelines for improvement based on lean principles

Modularization and standardization (M&S) of MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) systems improve end customer value according to lean concepts and principles. However, the imple-mentation of M&S is challenged. This research includes three main parts

Measuring the Cognitive Complexity in the Comprehension of Modular Process Models

Modularization in process models is a method to cope with the inherent complexity in such models (e.g., model size reduction). Modularization is capable to increase the quality, the ease of reuse, and the scalability of process models. Prior conducted research studied the effects of modular process models to enhance their comprehension. However, the effects of modularization on cognitive factors during process model comprehension are less understood so far. Therefore, this paper presents the results of two exploratory studies (i.e., a survey research study with N = 95 participants; a follow-up eye tracking study with N = 19 participants), in which three types of modularization (i.e., horizontal, vertical, orthogonal) were applied to process models expressed in terms of the Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) 2.0. Further, the effects of modularization on the cognitive load, the level of acceptability, and the performance in process model comprehension were investigated. In general, the results revealed that participants were confronted with challenges during the comprehension of modularized process models. Further, performance in the comprehension of modularized process models showed only a few significant differences, however, the results obtained regarding the cognitive load revealed that the complexity and concept of modularization in process models were misjudged initially. The insights unraveled that the attitude towards the application and the behavioral intention to apply modularization in process model is still not clear. In this context, horizontal modularization appeared to be the best comprehensible modularization approach leading to a more fine-grained comprehension of respective process models. The findings indicate that alterations in modular process models (e.g., change in the representation) are important to foster and enable their comprehension. Finally, based on our results, implications for research and practice as well as directions for future work are discussed in this paper

Customizing BPMN Diagrams Using Timelines

BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) is widely used standard modeling technique for representing Business Processes by using diagrams, but lacks in some aspects. Representing execution-dependent and time-dependent decisions in BPMN Diagrams may be a daunting challenge [Carlo Combi et al., 2017]. In many cases such constraints are omitted in order to preserve the simplicity and the readability of the process model. However, for purposes such as compliance checking, process mining, and verification, formalizing such constraints could be very useful. In this paper, we propose a novel approach for annotating BPMN Diagrams with Temporal Synchronization Rules borrowed from the timeline-based planning field. We discuss the expressivity of the proposed approach and show that it is able to capture a lot of complex temporally-related constraints without affecting the structure of BPMN diagrams. Finally, we provide a mapping from annotated BPMN diagrams to timeline-based planning problems that allows one to take advantage of the last twenty years of theoretical and practical developments in the field

Governing Intra-project Modular Interdependencies in ISD Projects: A Control Theory Perspective

Though information systems development (ISD) projects use modularization as an approach to better manage complex tasks by decomposing them into simpler intra-project modules, we lack clearly established modalities for managing such modularized ISD projects. Adopting a control theory perspective and leveraging a case study research approach, we unearth the underlying “control mechanisms” that an organization leveraged to manage eight modularized ISD projects. Specifically, we explore the intra-project modular dependencies that the projects’ business requirement documents indicated and use results from semi-structured interviews with project members to identify the corresponding control mechanisms. Our results indicate that, in scenarios with a low level of intra-project modular interdependencies, formal outcome and formal behavior constitute the preferred control mechanisms. However, specific situations related to flexible project practices and volatile client requirements may minimize the level of formal outcome and formal behavior control mechanisms in such projects. A low level of interdependencies between intra-project modules minimizes the need for informal clan control; nonetheless, informal clan-control mechanisms may help team members understand project requirements in a shared manner. Projects with a high level of interdependencies between intra-project modules have a high level of informal clan control. However, in some situations, projects with a high level of intra-project modular interdependencies have a low level of informal clan control often due to time pressures. Organizations may govern projects with a high level of intra-project modular interdependencies and poor structures through an enabling control style. Organizations can effectively govern projects with a low level of intra-project modular interdependencies through authoritative control style except in the projects where they assign team members to multiple projects simultaneously. By leveraging control theory to examine the intra-project modular dependencies, we add to the ongoing discourse on control theory and ISD project governance

A taxonomy of asymmetric requirements aspects

The early aspects community has received increasing attention among researchers and practitioners, and has grown a set of meaningful terminology and concepts in recent years, including the notion of requirements aspects. Aspects at the requirements level present stakeholder concerns that crosscut the problem domain, with the potential for a broad impact on questions of scoping, prioritization, and architectural design. Although many existing requirements engineering approaches advocate and advertise an integral support of early aspects analysis, one challenge is that the notion of a requirements aspect is not yet well established to efficaciously serve the community. Instead of defining the term once and for all in a normally arduous and unproductive conceptual unification stage, we present a preliminary taxonomy based on the literature survey to show the different features of an asymmetric requirements aspect. Existing approaches that handle requirements aspects are compared and classified according to the proposed taxonomy. In addition,we study crosscutting security requirements to exemplify the taxonomy's use, substantiate its value, and explore its future directions

Literature Review for a Certificate Program in 21st Century Skills

Artificial intelligence, automation, rising tuition costs, increase need for reskilling, and now the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown are just a few of the influences on the shifting landscape for higher education. In this project, I review the compounded pressures on institutions while examining the possible solution of modularized credentials and a focus on 21st century skill content to inform discourse on the subject at a private, faith-based university in Texas. The literature review yielded studies to inform a conversation about the growing problems and possible solutions for the future of higher education and training for the workforce. Additionally, as part of this project, I produced and presented a short presentation to the school about this subject matter

Improving decision making in product modularization by game-based management training

To deal with the complexity caused by a constantly increasing need for product customization many companies have adopted a product modularization strategy. Product modularization has the potential to give benefits both in the design of products, in manufacturing as well as in the supply chain. But, it poses great challenges in its implementation, which includes complex decision-making that will affect the whole value-chain. The purpose of this paper is to describe how a game-based approach can be used for academic education, and management training, with the aim of improving decision-making in product modularization. This by visualizing, and practice, the complex interplay between product, manufacturing and supply chain architecture. The paper describes the development of the LEGO Exploratorium game set up, based on the LEGO minifigures, and how it has been used for both teaching engineering students and in company workshop. Using this game set up will increase companies’ possibilities to develop modularized products that are designed for both efficient manufacturing and supply chain management