On the suitability of UML 2.0 activity diagrams for business process modelling

UML is posited as the "swiss army knife" for systems modelling and design activities. It embodies a number of modelling formalisms that have broad applicability in capturing both the static and dynamic aspects of software systems. One area of UML that has received particular attention is that of Activity Diagrams (ADs), which provide a high-level means of modelling dynamic system behaviour. In this paper we examine the suitability of UML 2.0 Activity Diagrams for business process modelling, using the Workflow Patterns as an evaluation framework. The Workflow Patterns are a collection of patterns developed for assessing control-flow, data and resource capabilities in the area of Process Aware Information Systems (PAIS). In doing so, we provide a comprehensive evaluation of the capabilities of UML 2.0 ADs, and their strengths and weaknesses when utilised for business process modelling.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2006
• Where: APCCM
• Authors: Nick Russell, Wil M. P. van der Aalst, Arthur H. M. ter Hofstede, Petia Wohed
• Keywords: Activity Diagrams, APCCM 2006, APCCM 2007, Business Process Modelling, UML 2.0