Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter XII
Revisiting Workfl ow
Modeling with Statecharts
Wai Yin Mok, University of Alabama in Huntsville, USA
David Paper, Utah State University, USA
ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we model business workfl ows using Harel's statecharts. We demonstrate that
mapping to statecharts allows one to systematically identify potential workfl ow problems.
Moreover, it also allows one to investigate specifi c properties inherent in actual business
workfl ows. Our research focuses on three desirable properties of active database systems
— termination, confl uence, and observable determinism. As a theoretical lens for termination
and confl uence, we develop algorithms linking desirable active database system properties
to workfl ow management systems problems. Preliminary validation of our algorithms is ac-
complished by mapping business workfl ows from a case study. Our research thus generates
preliminary theory by developing a systematic method for identifying workfl ow problems.
INTRODUCTION
Business workfl ows can be well defi ned, predictable, and frequently executed. We
thereby refer to these as structured business workfl ows. Such workfl ows can be automated
by machines to reduce clerical tasks and potential human intervention errors. Workfl ow
management systems (WMS) are a tested vehicle to facilitate automation of structured busi-
ness workfl ows. WMS, which are new generations of computerized systems, are designed to
manage automated parts of business workfl ows (Brunwin, 1994). By separating workfl ow
defi nitions from application software, WMS provide process and knowledge independence,
much like data independence provided by database management systems.
In this research, we use Harel's statecharts to model structured business workfl ows
(Harel, 1987) for three reasons. First, Harel's statecharts are used in the Unifi ed Modeling
Language (UML) as a means for modeling behavior (Object Management Group, 1999).
