Business process modeling with group support systems
Journal of Management Information Systems
Journal of Management Information Systems
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Recent studies at the University of Arizona and elsewhere have suggested that an Electronic Meeting System (EMS) designed to support construction of IDEF0 models can effectively support groups during development of semantic models. Group electronic modeling tools enable large groups of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from the business areas to actively participate in model building process and to build models significantly faster than traditional modeling methods. This paper details ongoing research at the University of Arizona concerned with computer supported collaborative model development. Specifically, we will describe recent improvements to our Enterprise Analysis/Activity IDEF0 based modeling software. We have taken advantage of object- oriented technology advances and modeling process refinements to improve five areas of model construction: graphics creation, ICOM creation, bundle formation, semantic analysis, and group coordination. Graphics were improved by allowing SMEs to quickly generate diagrams at their stations and by integrating diagrams with text and tables in printed reports. ICOM creation and bundle formation operations were enhanced by the addition of intelligent pick-lists and graphical bundle displays. Identification of IDEF0 semantic violations are visually displayed using the red dots in the Viewer and by a semantic analysis engine in the Model Builder which is capable of detecting 28 different rule violations. Finally, group coordination has been improved by allowing facilitators to create subgroups of SMEs, freeze portions of the node tree, and improved visual cues. The second generation Enterprise Analysis tool set is currently being evaluated in a number of DoD and industry case studies. To date, the tool set has been successfully used by many groups for development and analysis of models ranging from environmental planning to business travel planning.