A Formal Framework for Business Process Modeling

Abstract

In this paper, we define a new business process modeling approach based on the abstraction of the execution environment which is presented as a set of observers. The triggering condition of a task is linked to the state of the environment rather than a predefined order between tasks as suggested by other modeling approaches. Relying on the environment and the tasks, a formal framework of a business process is given. The modeling proposal presented in this paper is used to address three non dominant perspectives: context, semantics and goal; along with the usual controlflow perspective. The model defined in this paper does not deal with specific business processes and lack some analysis. This work can be extended by defining some case studies, carrying some analysis and developing a supporting tool. It will certainly allow enterprises to efficiently scope with the quality of service delivered to the customers and hence to deal with the competitive pressure of the network economy.