A Reflective Framework for Configurable Workflow Processes and Tools

Abstract

This paper describes some key issues in implementing a reflective object-oriented framework. We use the framework to build applications in administrative environments. These applications share a common business model, and require a mix of database, document management and workflow functionality. So far, we have focused our development efforts on the central administration of schools in the Flemish Community of Belgium, with increasing emphasis on access to the central applications from within the schools and local boards through the Internet. In addition we implemented a few test cases to verify the validity of our approach. We rewrote a rather large application of the Belgian Police Department in a few weeks; this includes training the developer. The framework uses a repository to store meta-information about end-user applications. This includes object model, object behavior, constraints, specifications of application environments, query screens, layout definitions of overview lists a..