Workflow-aware attention tracking to enhance collaboration management

Abstract

Current Workflow Management Systems only capture the start time and end time of tasks and it is difficult for managers to track how much time is actually spent on a particular task if multiple tasks are performed concurrently. Thus, managers may have problems accurately arranging tasks and evaluating costs. In order to facilitate collaboration management in multitasking environments, we propose a workflowaware attention tracking framework that integrates the concept of attention with workflow models. We first design the metamodel of workflow-aware attention tracking. We further derive seven rules for attention tracking in multitasking collaboration using Object Constraint Language. Based on the rules and meta-model, we develop a procedure for attention rule verification, and present an architecture for workflow-aware attention tracking systems. This research contributes to workflow management by adding attention awareness for collaboration management in multitasking environments.

Special section on business process analytics

“…Our last paper, BWorkflow-Aware Attention Tracking to Enhance Collaboration Management^by Fan et al (2015) is concerned with work flow management systems and argues that it is difficult for managers to track how much time is actually spent on a particular task if multiple tasks are performed concurrently. In order to facilitate collaboration management in multitasking environments, the authors propose a novel workflow-aware attention tracking framework that conceptualizes attention as a unique cognitive resource of actors that is necessary for performing activities in workflow tasks and incorporates attention tracking in the workflow process model.…”