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Tangible Media in Process Modeling
- A Controlled Experiment
Alexander Luebbe and Mathias Weske
Hasso Plattner Institute, University of Potsdam, Germany
{
alexander.luebbe,mathias.weske
}
@hpi.uni-potsdam.de
http://bpt.hpi.uni-potsdam.de
Abstract.
In current practice, business processes modeling is done by
trained method experts. Domain experts are interviewed to elicit their pro-
cess information but typically not involved in actual modeling. We created
a tangible toolkit for process modeling to be used with domain experts. We
hypothesize that it results in more effective process elicitation.
This paper assesses nine aspects related to ”effective elicitation” in a
controlled experiment using questionnaires and video analysis. We com-
pare our approach to structured interviews in a repeated measurement
design. Subjects were 17 student clerks from a trade school.
We conclude that tangible modeling leads to more effective elicitation
through activation of participants and validation of results. In particular,
subjects take more time to think about their process and apply more
corrections to it. They also report to get insights into process modeling.
Keywords:
process elicitation, tangible media, controlled experiment.
1
Introduction
In business process management graphically depicted process models serve as com-
munication vehicles about the working procedures of organizations. They are the
basis for a shared understanding and process improvements. Moreover, process
models are often used as requirements engineering artifacts for software imple-
mentation projects. Supporting processes with software offers great potential to
save time, enhance reliability and deliver standardized output [9]. At the same
time, misunderstandings in early stages lead to expensive change requests at later
stages of the software project. Thus, the quality of communication between stake-
holders is crucial to translate process requirements into software implementation.
In current practice, process models are created by trained method experts,
typically external consultants. They gather the required information in inter-
views or workshops with the stakeholders of the process [1]. Afterwards, the
method expert creates a business process model using notations such as EPC or
BPMN. Creation of process models is done with dedicated software.
Domain experts provide information upfront but are typically passive while
their knowledge is translated into a process model by the modeling expert. This
translation step undertaken by the modeling expert de-couples the domain expert
