Rationale in semi-structured processes

Abstract

This paper argues that an explicit account of rationale is essential for the effective management and evolution of semi-structured processes. Our approach is based on a view of semi-structured process models as unfinished products whose design is implicitly completed through their execution by process model users. The resulting refinements and modifications of the process models are instances of user-driven design innovation. Our framework shows how rationale can explain a user's individual execution decisions, as a basis for process modelers to improve the original process specifications. We propose and illustrate the ontological foundations of a modeling approach. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.