article

A Systemic Framework for Business Process Modeling Combining Soft Systems Methodology and UML

Authors:

Kosheek Sewchurran,

Doncho PetkovAuthors Info & Claims

Information Resources Management Journal, Volume 20, Issue 3

Pages 46 - 62

https://doi.org/10.4018/irmj.2007070104

Published: 01 July 2007 Publication History

Abstract

Business process analysis and modeling is a crucial step in formulating information systems user requirements. The practice of information technology IT development does not indicate a lack of problems in spite of the growing number of modeling techniques. This article gives an action research account of formulating and applying a new business process modeling framework to manufacturing processes to guide software development. It is based on a combination of soft systems methodology SSM and the Unified Modeling Language UML business process modeling extensions suggested by Eriksson and Penker. SSM has been linked to information systems provision in the past. The examination of prior research shows that there is no underlying reasoning about the justification from a methodological point of view of the combination of SSM and UML. This article justifies the mixing of SSM and Eriksson and Penker's UML extensions using the ideas of Mingers' Multimethodology. The latter helps to overcome the ontological complexities of combining soft and hard techniques in a single intervention. The proposed framework was applied to modeling the production process in an aluminum rolling plant as a step in the development of a new information system for it. The reflections on the intervention give details on how actual learning and appreciation is facilitated using SSM, leading to better UML models in this complex problem.

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Cited By

Muslikhah KSari EHariandja J(2015)Designing knowledge management system prototype for mental health practitionersProceedings of the International HCI and UX Conference in Indonesia10.1145/2742032.2742037(32-36)Online publication date: 8-Apr-2015
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/2742032.2742037
Petkov DAlter SPetkova OAndrew T(2013)On the Suitability of Soft Systems Methodology and the Work System Method in Some Software Project ContextsInternational Journal of Information Technologies and Systems Approach10.5555/2605169.26051726:2(22-34)Online publication date: 1-Jul-2013
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.5555/2605169.2605172
Petkov DPetkova OAndrew T(2013)On Some Lessons from Modeling Contexts in Complex Problem Solving in Information TechnologyJournal of Information Technology Research10.4018/jitr.20131001046:4(55-70)Online publication date: 1-Oct-2013
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.4018/jitr.2013100104

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cover image Information Resources Management Journal

Information Resources Management Journal Volume 20, Issue 3

July 2007

88 pages

ISSN:1040-1628

EISSN:1533-7979

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IGI Global

United States

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Published: 01 July 2007

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Cited By

Muslikhah KSari EHariandja J(2015)Designing knowledge management system prototype for mental health practitionersProceedings of the International HCI and UX Conference in Indonesia10.1145/2742032.2742037(32-36)Online publication date: 8-Apr-2015
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/2742032.2742037
Petkov DAlter SPetkova OAndrew T(2013)On the Suitability of Soft Systems Methodology and the Work System Method in Some Software Project ContextsInternational Journal of Information Technologies and Systems Approach10.5555/2605169.26051726:2(22-34)Online publication date: 1-Jul-2013
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.5555/2605169.2605172
Petkov DPetkova OAndrew T(2013)On Some Lessons from Modeling Contexts in Complex Problem Solving in Information TechnologyJournal of Information Technology Research10.4018/jitr.20131001046:4(55-70)Online publication date: 1-Oct-2013
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.4018/jitr.2013100104

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