Formal Model of Business Processes Integrated with Business Rules

2019 | Information Systems Frontiers | Citations: 2

Authors: Kluza, Krzysztof; Nalepa, Grzegorz J.

Abstract: Business Processes describe the ways in which operations are carried out in orde ... Expand

Abstract: Business Processes describe the ways in which operations are carried out in order to accomplish the intended objectives of organizations. A process can be depicted using a modeling notation, such as Business Process Model and Notation. Process model can also describe operational aspects of every task; but in a properly designed model, the detailed aspects of low-level logic should be delegated to external services, especially to a Business Rule Engine. Business Rules support the specification of knowledge in a declarative manner and can be successfully used for specification of details for process tasks and events. However, there is no unified model of process integrated with rules that ensures data types consistency. Thus, the paper presents a formal description of the integration of Business Processes with Business Rules. We provide a general model for such integration as well as the model applied to a specific rule representation from the Semantic Knowledge Engineering approach. Collapse

Topics: business process management rule-based representation

Methods: business process model and notation modeling language business process modeling case study literature study

A Metadesign Theory for Tailorable Decision Support

2019 | Journal of the Association for Information Systems | Citations: 4

Authors: Miah, Shah Jahan; Gammack, John G.; McKay, Judy

Abstract: Despite years of decision support systems (DSS) research, DSS artifacts are freq ... Expand

Abstract: Despite years of decision support systems (DSS) research, DSS artifacts are frequently criticized for lacking practitioner relevance and for neglecting configurability and contextual dynamism. Tailoring in end-user contexts can produce relevant emergent DSS artifacts, but design theory for this is lacking. Design science research (DSR) has important implications for improving DSS uptake, but generally this has not been promoted in the form of metadesigns with design principles applicable to other DSS developments. This paper describes a metadesign theory for tailorable DSS, generated through action design research studies in different primary industries. Design knowledge from a DSS developed in an agricultural domain was distilled and generalized into a design theory comprising: (1) a general solution concept (metadesign), and (2) five hypothesized design principles. These were then instantiated via a second development in which the metadesign and design principles were applied in a different domain (forestry) to produce a successful DSS, thus testing the metadesign and validating the design principles. In addition to contributing to DSR and illustrating innovation in tailorable technology, the paper demonstrates the utility of action design research to support theory development in DSS design. Collapse

Topics: decision support system decision support knowledge sharing spreadsheet rule-based representation

Methods: design principle meta design design artifact design theory focus group

Theorizing in Design Science Research: Inductive versus Deductive Approaches

2011 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 4

Authors: Gregory, Robert; Muntermann, Jan

Abstract: This paper explores which theorizing strategies can be employed in DSR to make a ... Expand

Abstract: This paper explores which theorizing strategies can be employed in DSR to make a theoretical contribution by examining two illustrative case examples. First, we find that abduction, deduction, and induction all play a role in DSR. Second, we suggest that design theorists can choose among a range of theorizing strategies (i.e., inductive theorizing, deductive theorizing, and hybrid approaches) that differ in their degree to which they make use of abduction, deduction, and induction as well as their iterative sequencing over time in repeated theorizing cycles. Third, we reveal from the discussion of two prominent IS design theories that empirical and conceptual methods for theorizing play an important role in both the build and evaluate phases of the DSR cycle. Finally, we recommend theorists in future DSR projects that pursue the goal to develop design theory to think explicitly about their theorizing approach and select and use research methods accordingly. Collapse

Topics: rule-based representation

Methods: theory development design theory design artifact design science qualitative interview

Theories: theory of abduction

UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF INFERENTIAL REASONING IN THE REQUIREMENTS ELICITATION PROCESS

2010 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Rai, Sudhanshu; Chakraborty, Suranjan; Sarker, Suprateek

Abstract: A critical aspect of information system development (ISD) projects is identifyin ... Expand

Abstract: A critical aspect of information system development (ISD) projects is identifying, interpreting and specifying the requirements for a proposed information system. In this article we focus on the reasoning process employed by the stakeholders of the RE process. We argue that new insights in RE may be gained by trying to explore the reasoning process that underlines RE. Specifically we argue that a deeper understanding of this process can be developed by exploring it through the Naiyayika system of inference. During the course of this paper we explain the special nature of this school of inference; which relies on empirical observation to create a rule based mechanism for assisting one’s understanding of the context. Initial insight is developed from applying the lens of Naiyayika school of inference to the qualitative data collected from Indian IT services organizations is discussed from a perspective of seeking new insights about the RE process. Collapse

Topics: requirements analysis pseudonymity rule-based representation

Methods: qualitative interview protocol analysis grounded theory personal interview

Experiences with Implementing a Spatial Decision Support System for Planning Snow Removal Operations

2005 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Sugumaran, Ramanathan; Ilavajhala, Shriram; Sugumaran, Vijayan

Abstract: This paper discusses the development of a Web-based Intelligent Spatial Decision ... Expand

Abstract: This paper discusses the development of a Web-based Intelligent Spatial Decision Support system that helps efficiently plan snow removal operations. The system is designed to integrate Web and geospatial analytical techniques for asset management, routing procedures and weather information to assist effective snow removal procedures. The system includes the knowledge from snow removal experts from Blackhawk County in Iowa and the cities of Cedar Falls and Waterloo, Iowa. It manages various resources efficiently by providing expert advice to assist complex decision making for efficient routing, optimal resource allocation, while monitoring live weather information. The system has been developed as a Web-based system to facilitate ubiquitous access and ease of use. Collapse

Topics: geographic information system extensible markup language decision support website resource allocation

Methods: computational algorithm design artifact qualitative interview

Incorporating critique and argumentation in DSS

1999 | Decision Support Systems | Citations: 14

Authors: Vahidov, Rustam; Elrod, Robert

Abstract: This paper proposes a framework for a decision support system (DSS) based on cri ... Expand

Abstract: This paper proposes a framework for a decision support system (DSS) based on critique and argumentation. We make a distinction between positive and negative types of critique and argue that both of them are valuable in making substantiated decisions. We further propose use of debate and argumentation as means for more informative decision support. We discuss the types of knowledge used for critiquing and the appropriate form of knowledge representation. The architecture of the proposed DSS contains intelligent critiquing agents which provide the user with the qualitative feedback on candidate decisions. Collapse

Topics: decision support system knowledge representation decision making knowledge base fuzzy logic

Theories: fuzzy set theory