Integrating process modeling methodology, language and tool - a design science approach

Abstract

Providing high quality process models in a timely manner can be of major impact on almost all process management projects. Modeling methodologies in the form of normative procedure models and process modeling guidelines are available to facilitate this cause. Modeling languages and according tools, however, do neglect the available methodologies. Our work searches to close this research gap by proposing a modeling environment that integrates insights from modeling methodologies with a modeling language and a tool. Main features are a simple modeling language that generalizes most existing languages, four layers of abstraction and semantic standardization through a glossary and use of attributes. Our approach allows for rapid preparation of modeling activities and ensures high model quality during all modeling phases, thus minimizing rework of the models. The prototype was evaluated and improved during two practical projects. © IFIP International Federation for Information Processing 2013.