Process-Based Decision Support

Abstract

Business decision- and process-modeling methodologies have developed largely independ- ently. The existing lack of cross-discipline integration in the area of business modeling is not only counterproductive for future methodological advances, but also imposes unneces- sary limits on the ability of the existing business modeling tools to reflect the complex integrated nature of a business enterprise adequately. Process models underlying integrated business systems are powerful tools addressing organizational efficiency objectives. The ability of a process to meet organizational objectives is a measure of organizational effec- tiveness. In order to meet both efficiency and effectiveness objectives of the business, it is essential to understand how functional, process, and overall organizational objectives inter- act. This chapter discusses the relationship between business decision-modeling and pro- cess-modeling methodologies and describes how decision support models can be used to enhance enterprise capacity to meet its overall objectives via more-effective business pro- cesses.