Software process modeling and enactment: an experience report related to problem tracking in an industrial project

Abstract

(0) 23 1 755 2782 gruhn @ 1s 1O.informatik.uni-dortmund.de ABSTRACTThe paper provides an overview of process research and the application of research results to practice and then describes process models using FUNSOFT nets and a workflow management system LEU. The example from which the experience is drawn is that of a problem tracking system and the components of the model are described and illustrated. The experience reported comes in three flavors: the appropriateness of FUNSOFT nets as a modeling mechanisms and the alternative use of state transition diagrams; the benefits of the model and its support on the business process; and finally some implications for process research.

Deriving executable process descriptions from UML

“…Our modeling experiences [1], [2], [4] as well as others' [9] tend to confirm that it is not easy to integrate the linguistic tools needed for high-level and detailed modeling into one notation. In particular, we have noticed that in SLANG the representation of the same process varies depending on the purpose of the modeling activity.…”

“…Those intuitive models shouM be refined step by step concerning the parts of the process that are well known and that demand for a low level description, in order enactable models." [9]. While a relevant number of PMLs have been defined, none of them has been completely successful in addressing at the same time the requirements of both high-level modeling and enactment.…”

A case study applying process and project alignment methodology

“…In the domain of change management, the Problem Tracking System (PTS) is used to track errors and manage change request for the WIS (Wohnungswirtschaftliche Information System), a system build in a process oriented way to support all business processes from the area of house constructing and administration [9]. The Endeavors system is a flexible environment that allows users to create and evolve processes while a project is in progress [12].…”

“…Process modeling community in general base the research work on the assumption that an explicit process representation is the starting point for process understanding, improvement and communication [9]. Other research communities, like the ones that study computer supported co-operative work (CSCW), argue that software development is a creative work with strong co-operation aspects and does not benefit from static process descriptions.…”