Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
The diagrams should have simple, easy-to-
follow menus that allow the rapid development of each level of diagram. If
the diagraming tool is difficult to use to create and modify different sym-
bols, it becomes a more static tool with which systems analysts will tend to
create models that they are reluctant to change. The tool should be aes-
thetically pleasing to view, and data flows should flow with arcs, straight
lines, and right angles. Finally, the tool should be comprehensive enough to
allow the systems analyst to move smoothly from the front-end stages (i.e.,
analysis and design) to the back-end stages (i.e., implementation and
installation).
Using Dynamic CASE Tools.
When users and systems analysts work with a CASE tool, the process
should be a pleasing experience, thereby allowing the tool to be more dy-
namic or easily changeable. When the people who work with the model are
glad that the model has been created and never have to touch it again, a
static model has been created. If the model-creation process was a pleasing
experience, they tend not to be bothered by changing it — this is a dynam-
ic model. In the horizontal corporation, information systems change con-
stantly as a result of changes in the competitive environment. Therefore, it
is important that the model be a dynamic model capable of changing
constantly.
By using simple, easy-to-understand symbols supported by a compre-
hensive data dictionary, a process model can be generated to represent de-
tailed information processing as well as the more abstract decision-making
at the higher level within the organization. The ultimate goal of integrating
information systems methodologies into the horizontal organization is to
develop a comprehensive organization model using a dynamic CASE tool
that can handle constant changes. The major component of this model is a
process-focused model supported by a data-focused model representing
the higher-level support processes and the essential processes within the
organization. This organization model can be used as a blueprint for the re-
structuring of the traditional hierarchical organization into the newer hor-
izontal organization.
For organizations interested in developing a horizontal
structure, the process-focused model can be used to reinforce and enhance
communication, information flows, and coordination (i.e., exchanging of in-
formation) between the essential processes and the support departments.
The data-focused portion of the integrated model supports the processes
by ensuring that the data structures used (and perhaps created) by the
processes are in their most logical formats. It will remove redundancy and
simplify the actual data structures used within the organization.
Data Structures.
Exhibit 4 represents the overview of this approach. In addition, more de-
tailed discussions concerning process modeling techniques appear in
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