Integrating Process and Data Models in a Horizontal Organization - High-Performance Web Databases: Design, Development, and Deployment - page 270

A CASE tool should be used to expedite the development of the subpro-
cesses for the essential processes and for the support departments. The
principles for selecting the appropriate CASE tool were discussed previ-
ously. In short, the CASE tool should be process oriented, with the ability
to generate data models in support of the process models. The CASE tool
should be powerful enough to handle complex organizations involving
many levels. It should also be flexible enough to handle the dynamics of
change. This decision must not be a trivial decision.
Building a dynamic process and data model is the salient consideration
when deciding on an appropriate CASE tool. The methodology that sup-
ports the CASE tool is also important. The main point of this chapter is that
the horizontal organization can be depicted by a process-focused model
supported by a data model. Therefore, the use of a few simple, easy-to-un-
derstand symbols is necessary so that both technical and nontechnical IS
personnel can use them appropriately.
Getting senior management to commit to a CASE tool and methodology
is the underlying foundation of this approach. The use of the CASE tool
must be a total effort by all personnel. The maintenance of the process
model is the responsibility of each essential process and support depart-
ment. With the help of the systems analyst component of each process,
changes will be the constant force that drives the continual development of
the process model. By incorporating users and IS personnel into the pro-
cess model methodology, a common communication tool (e.g., CASE tool)
can be used to help facilitate changes within the organization. Each person
within the organization should be able to visualize his or her contribution
to the organization and its goals by locating his or her process and its ob-
jectives in the process model.
SUMMARY
Incorporating the horizontal concept into today's organization is an im-
portant trend that will allow the organization to be more competitive in do-
mestic and international markets for profit organizations and funding
sources for nonprofit organizations. The horizontal organization will re-
duce the amount of bureaucracy that often generates information delays
and failures. Organizations will need to be able to change quickly to meet
the challenges of a volatile, competitive environment. IS methodologies
should integrate recent trends to be successful and accepted by organiza-
tions. An effective approach would be to integrate the horizontal organiza-
tion into an organizational process model supported by a data model. The
process model should focus on the essential processes and the support de-
partments in building its information system model.
The process model will help organizations move logically toward the
horizontal organization by ensuring that the activities within each essential