Object-oriented business process modeling and simulation:: A discrete event system specification framework

Abstract

In this study, we suggest that the Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS) framework, derived from engineering research, provides a useful Object-Oriented Modeling and Simulation (OOMS) approach for developing, simulating and evaluating complex business process models. A survey of other OOMS approaches to business process modeling, and their evaluation with regard to model representation, manipulation and implementation, suggests that there are some limitations which could be addressed by DEVS. We conducted a case study of a business process in a “real world” setting to explore some of the issues involved in implementing the DEVS framework. Our findings suggest that DEVS provides a robust framework for model representation based on its concept of atomic models and its ability to represent higher-level models that are closed under coupling. It also provides considerable model manipulation capabilities through a System Entity Structure (SES), the pruning of the SES by inclusion of instances of models which correspond to processing alternatives, and a relatively easy transition from conceptual models to simulation models. Finally, our implementation of DEVS in a business situation contributes to the parent discipline by highlighting a number of methodological issues such as discrepancy resolution by identifying root causes, assumptions surfacing and re-examination, and an awareness of the political and cultural context of business process modeling. Our study suggests that IS research on developing OOMS approaches to business process modeling can derive considerable benefits by leveraging off DEVS-related research in engineering.