Instances and connectors : issues for a second generation process language

This work is supported by UK EPSRC grants GR/L34433 and GR/L32699Over the past decade a variety of process languages have been defined, used and evaluated. It is now possible to consider second generation languages based on this experience. Rather than develop a second generation wish list this position paper explores two issues: instances and connectors. Instances relate to the relationship between a process model as a description and the, possibly multiple, enacting instances which are created from it. Connectors refers to the issue of concurrency control and achieving a higher level of abstraction in how parts of a model interact. We believe that these issues are key to developing systems which can effectively support business processes, and that they have not received sufficient attention within the process modelling community. Through exploring these issues we also illustrate our approach to designing a second generation process language.Postprin

Micro Incentives and Macro Stability

This essay argues that appropriate assessment of the role of decentralization in China requires careful analysis. First, it is not just that the higher share of local government expenditure in total government expenditure matters, more crucially, higher local fiscal incentives in terms of higher marginal retention rates are important for inducing local governments' support for local business development. Second, however, such high incentives may not be conducive to macroeconomic stability, in particular when local governments have considerable influence over the banking system. Third, the central government's authority in appointing provincial leaders induces a tradeoff between macro stability and development: while it is not so good for local non-state sector development, it plays a role in maintaining macro stability. Therefore, there is a complexity of the relationship between micro incentives and macro stability