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Lookup NU author(s): Fahad Al-Humaidan, Dr Brian Rossiter
Complex information systems require a methodology for their development in a structured manner. Many different methodologies exist, each suitable for a particular type of application. In this report we develop a taxonomy covering 14 different classification features for methodologies targeted at the workflow area. Features identified include concerns, method structure, data gathering means, people involved, notations, decomposition, policies, reuse, adaptability, flexibility, exception handling, method output, CASE tool and quality assurance. The capabilities of a number of methodologies are expressed in tabular form relative to this taxonomy for workflow systems and to a more general taxonomy dealing with both hard- and soft-system aspects. The results show that there is no methodology that covers all of the taxonomic aspects identified. Organisational Process Modelling (OPM) and Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) are relatively strong on soft aspects and weak on hard aspects. Unified Modelling Language (UML) and Unified Process are relatively strong on hard aspects and weak on soft aspects. Structured Systems Analysis and Design Method (SSADM) is perhaps the most comprehensive but some soft aspects are omitted. The combination of techniques such as UML and Workflow is identified as a way forward.
Author(s): Al-Humaidan F, Rossiter BN
Publication type: Report
Publication status: Published
Series Title: Department of Computing Science Technical Report Series
Year: 2001
Pages: 32
Print publication date: 01/01/2001
Source Publication Date: 2001
Report Number: 751
Institution: Department of Computing Science, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Place Published: Newcastle upon Tyne
URL: http://www.cs.ncl.ac.uk/publications/trs/papers/751.pdf
