Description

We have discussed in class two techniques for modeling business processes – BPMN and EPC. The emphasis in class was on the syntax and semantics of the modeling techniques, as well as on how to map a business situation into a clear and informative model. The objectives of this assignment are: (1) To practice the process of mapping a business situation into a clear, unambiguous, readable and informative process model. (2) Experience the use of the two techniques we have learned. (3) Although not required – if you use the ARIS Express software or any other process modeling software (not just a diagramming tool such as Visio) – also to gain experience with the use of modeling tools (sometime termed CASE tools for “Computer Assisted Software Engineering”). The emphasis in doing this assignment should be on the mapping process. If you wish, you are welcome to amend the diagrams with annotations or new symbols (if the software tool you are using provides for that). If you exercise this option – please add a legend. Description of Assignment 1. Using the Domel Warehouse case (the same one you used in the previous assignment), identify a business process to map. If there are more than one process that can be identified in the case. It is up to you to choose an “interesting” one. 2. Include a short statement describing the purpose of the process you chose and its outcomes (“value added” or “desired outcome”). Use this to explain the scope of the model. 3. Create two graphic process models – one in BPMN and one in EPC. You are not required to model the whole case. Rather, choose a process that involves between 5 and 10 activities (you can have more, but this will be sufficient to experience the use of the two modeling techniques). In BPMN you should have at least two pools, where one represents Domel Warehouse (or part of it) and has at least two lanes. In EPC you should have at least two actors, departments, etc. involved. 4. Include a list of information items you have found missing and the assumptions you made in these cases. 5. Evaluate the two techniques. Write a brief report (a few paragraphs) based on your impressions of using the two techniques. Specifically: a. Suggest a few criteria you would use to determine which one to adopt in a business. b. Use the criteria to compare the techniques. c. Indicate which one you would choose to use. Guidance and Suggestions 1. When you determine the process to model – try to revisit the definition of a business process (slide 5 in the business process modeling lecture) and try to identify the beginning and end events before mapping the process. 2. For BPMN – it might be easy to identify first the roles involved in the process, and then follow the start event. 3. For EPC – you can begin modeling by starting with the event that triggers the process you are modeling. 4. If you find that some information in the case is missing, you can make your own assumptions. However, please make sure you indicate them clearly (either on the diagram – using annotation, or in a separate list). Format a. The assignments need to be submitted as on-line documents (preferably in PDF format). Diagrams can be either hand-drawn or created with drawing software (such as Power Point or Visio) or a modeling software (e.g., ARIS Express). You are not required to use a software tool, but of course this can help create more professional looking diagrams. b. There is no need to use exactly the same symbols as used in the class notes. However, you have to include a legend for the symbols you have used (unless they are the standard ones). Making Scheme - Scope identification: 5% - BPMN: Clarity and usefulness 10% | Correctness (completeness, syntax, semantics) 20%. - EPC: Clarity and usefulness 10% | Correctness (completeness, syntax, semantics) 20%. - Describing the assumptions: 10% - Evaluation criteria: Adoption 10%, Comparison 10%, Choice 5%