Workflow Process Modeling

Workflow Process Modeling: Mapping, Analyzing, and Improving Business Processes

Whether a new application is purchased or custom-developed, it’s almost certain that improved or redesigned business processes will be involved. This workshop will give business analysts a solid exposure to the modeling and analysis of a process workflow, the key phases and techniques, and the issues that must be addressed. With initiatives like enterprise application implementation and e-commerce driving the redesign of business processes, these skills can make a real difference to a project’s success. The workshop complements the techniques covered in our Data Modeling and Use Cases and Application Logic workshops, and integrates proven analysis techniques with newer developments from fields such as business process reengineering and quality management. Participants will learn how to specify the scope and goals of a business process, model the current workflow, assess it, and design an improved process. Key principles are illustrated throughout with workshop exercises and discussions. Business professionals with responsibility for improving their processes and business analysts needing solid techniques will both benefit from this workshop.

Objectives

On workshop completion, participants will be able to:

Differentiate business processes, business functions, and organizational structures
Identify a “true” business process, and specify its boundaries and goals
Model process workflow at progressive levels of detail using Swimlane Diagrams
Conduct a structured assessment of a business process
Develop a process redesign while avoiding common (and serious!) pitfalls

Duration 2 days

Prerequisites:

None. However, business analysts who expect to do extensive workflow modeling will find that some understanding of information systems concepts (e.g., Requirements Analysis Overview or equivalent experience) will be helpful in establishing context.

Who Should Attend

Business analysts who are responsible for requirements specification or are involved in business process re-design or improvement; business managers and content experts who will participate in process re-design or process-oriented application development efforts.

Course Format Lecture, group discussion, exercises

Instructor Alec Sharp