Process Model Visualisation Data Representations

Name: Chin (Renfred) Law

Title (Undergraduate Project): Process Model Visualisation Data Representations

Abstract: Present process model grammars are typically rendered in 2D using graph drawing techniques. This has worked well for abstract representations of process models, however, these visualisations do not allow analysts to investigate the effects of physical spatial organisation on the process models. To this end, we will embed a 3D version of a process model grammar, in this case BPMN 1.0, within the Open Simulator Virtual World.

This project will focus on providing backend database modelling infrastructure for a 3D BPMN Process Model Editor for the Open Simulator Virtual World. In particular, file handling and internal data structures that support the use of normal process modelling tools to generate the Virtual World visualisations. The ultimate goal is to provide visualisation and interaction techniques that even a relatively untrained business analyst can easily use.

Conceptual Process Model Visualisation

Name: Nathan Steenstra

Title (Undergraduate Project): Conceptual Process Model Visualisation

Abstract: Present process model grammars are typically rendered in 2D using graph drawing techniques. This has worked well for abstract representations of process models, however, these visualisations do not allow analysts to investigate the effects of physical spatial organisation on the process models. To this end, we will embed a 3D version of a process model grammar, in this case BPMN 1.0, within the Open Simulator Virtual World.

This project will focus on providing techniques for easy creation and editing of such 3D BPMN diagrams. In particular, node and edge representations, node aggregation and edge linking interactions will be developed to ease the process modelling tasks in a 3D world. The ultimate goal is to provide visualisation and interaction techniques that even a relatively untrained business analyst can easily use.

Visualizing the control perspectives of business process models within 3D virtual environments

Name: Stephen West

Title (Masters): Visualizing the control perspectives of business process models within 3D virtual environments.

Abstract: Changes in technology, market demand, competition, and workforces are just some of the challenges facing businesses today. Business Process Management (BPM) has been widely adopted to deal with these issues employing methods, techniques, and tools to support the design, enactment, management and analysis of operational business processes. The aim of BPM systems is to support the whole lifecycle of business processes. However, BPM has lacked the vision to engage the business world at its lowest level in validating the executable workflow models that are created and used by the IT infrastructure, to identify process improvements. This research project focuses on providing visualisation approaches to assist with the validation of workflow models derived from business processes. The motivation is driven by the need to provide business stakeholders with a visually understandable representation for how a business process is enacted within the real world. Satisfying this need will see a reduction in the number of times the process model lifecycle has to be repeated before a valid or correct model can be established.