| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/J49013/01 |
| Title: |
PROCESS ENGINEERING FRAMEWORK |
| Principal Investigator: |
Warboys, Professor B |
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| Department: |
Computer Science |
| Organisation: |
Victoria University of Manchester, The |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 October 1993 |
Ends: |
30 September 1995 |
Value (£): |
165,573
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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To further our understanding of the relationship between organisational processes and their computerised support. This will be done by developing a 'framework for process engineering' which will lay foundations for both theoretical and practical issues in this area, and provide tool support for all aspects of the framework.Progress:Apart from the usual academic dissemination of the results of the project, one of the deliverables will be a book intended for academics and practitioners working in the field of organisational process modelling. An initial draft of the proposed book (with the provisional title: A Process Engineering Framework) has been completed. It was reviewed in late December 1994 by members of the Informatics Process Group and two invited reviewers.Theory:A rational theoretical basis for the study of organisational processes has been established based on systems theoretical concepts. Process Engineering in Practice:Three themes have evolved for the framework: analysis and exploration of the domain, the evolutionary nature of processes, and approaches to system design. The position of PE relative to the many IT systems development methods and methodologies has been explored, and the prime differentiator is our view of the relationship between humans and technologies. PE provides an essential framework for a synthesis of approaches which allow models of human action to be related to co-ordinative technologies. A design method, which exploits these notations and which structures communications between people as transactions, is being evaluated. An architecture of IT systems is proposed which locates co-ordination technologies in relation to database, application and communication technologies, so aiding understanding and potential. This will lead to an improved expression of the requirements for any supporting co-ordination technology. The significance of the meta-process (a process which controls the evolution of operational processes) is emerging and a view is being taken as to the desirability (or otherwise) of considering the metaprocess as an integral part of the operational process. An interesting case study in an insurance organisation, which ranged from process capture through to a demonstration system, provided an invaluable opportunity to develop ideas in the real world, and to spur the development of capture and design methods. Tools:Following a review of existing tools ostensibly suited for organisational process modelling, activity was focussed on the further development of the Process Modellers Workcentre. This development followed a statement of requirements drawn up by the IPG. The toolset currently offers a Conceptual Modeller, suitable for Rich Picture descriptions of activity; Role Activity Diagrams, which are useful where the thread of process control is relatively clear and thus assists in understanding behaviour; and an Activity Diagram, providing for capture of organisation activity when threads of process are unclear or where the modeller is unwilling to use the thread as a structuring mechanism.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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