Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Business processes form the core of organisations and their interrelations with business partners. They are the centre of attention in a variety of management approaches and technology-driven solutions such as Workflow management and Service-oriented Architectures. The unit INB/N-320 Business Process Modelling provides a contemporary introduction to the methods, notations, grammars and tools of process modelling. In particular, you will get a deep understanding of the most popular process modelling grammars (BPMN, EPCs) and their application in practice. The unit starts with an overview of the conceptual and formal foundations of (process) modelling (Petri Nets and Workflow Nets). The main modelling paradigms will be introduced with a focus on the details of modelling with the Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN 2.0). This will be complemented by lectures on process modelling tools, model-to-execution and the future of process modelling. You will learn process modelling based on national and international process modelling case studies.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to introduce you to modern methodologies and techniques of business process modelling. A main objective is to increase your awareness of the conceptual and formal foundations of modelling and of the capabilities of BPMN and available tools. You will learn how to use grammars and tools to build, maintain and communicate practically-relevant process models.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Comprehend the basic modelling principles independent of any specific modelling grammar or tool (GC2, GC4);
2. Possess basic knowledge of process model correctness based on the Workflow Nets paradigm (GC1,GC4)
3. Model complex business processes using advanced concepts in BPMN and EPCs (GC1);
4. Use advanced process modelling tools (GC1);
5. Work efficiently in a group (GC5, GC6, GC7);
6. Communicate using process models (GC3).

Key: Graduate Capabilities
GC1 - Knowledge and Skills
GC2 - Critical and Creative Thinking
GC3 - Communication
GC4 - Lifelong Learning
GC5 - Independence and Collaboration
GC6 - Social and Ethical Responsibility
GC7 - Leadership and Change

Content

This unit presents a detailed introduction to the capabilities and constraints of current process modelling grammars and tools. The unit will start with an overview of key modelling principles (e.g. abstraction) and important formal foundations for process modelling (i.e. Petri Nets and Workflow Nets). A focus will be on the explanation and application of the Business Process Modelling Notation (BPMN) - the current de-facto standard for process modelling in industry. BPMN will be compared with alternative approaches. Modelling tools will be introduced in the tutorials.

This unit will develop specific skills in business process modelling as well as general skills in abstraction, complexity management, critical thinking, team work, presentation and writing skills. INB/N-320 complements in particular INB/N-321 by providing deeper insights into the modelling-related issues of Business Process Improvement projects.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The content of the unit is delivered through lectures, practicals, case studies, and the QUT Blackboard site. Lectures cover theoretical aspects of the unit, and practical sessions provide an opportunity to solve practical exercises, based on the current week's lecture. Practical staff will be available to provide assistance.

The unit emphasises a 'hands-on' approach to learning through the illustration of new concepts through worked examples and demonstrations. The concepts introduced are presented in business scenarios. You will work on the case studies in the practicals. You are encouraged to work in groups.

Assessment

There are two assignments and a final exam. You will submit your assignments electronically through the Faculty's Online Assignment System (OAS) - details will be announced during the lectures. You are expected to work on the assignments independently, but you can ask for assistance from the teaching staff. The final exam lasts two hours and covers the whole content of the unit.Student feedback on this unit is welcome and will be used to improve teaching and learning approaches. You are invited to take advantage of the evaluation opportunities offered in this unit or to contact the unit coordinator directly with any feedback and suggestions.
You can obtain feedback on your progress throughout the unit through the following mechanisms:
¿ ask the teaching staff for advice and assistance during the workshop sessions;
¿ each of your assignments will be returned to you before the end of semester with comments on your progress; and
¿ private consultation with teaching staff via email or during consultation hours;
The first two assignments will be based on the material covered in the lectures and tutorials. The related tasks will be discussed during these contact hours. This will provide you with a deeper understanding of the nature of the tasks. Selected supporting resources will be provided on the unit homepage. A marking guide will be available for the first two assignments. A detailed marking of assignments will provide you with comprehensive feedback.
Tutors are available during the tutorials and consultation hours to clarify or elaborate on the assignment content and provide constructive feedback.
For the final exam you will be referred to the Faculty's formal 'Review of exam' procedures.

Assessment name: Report
Description: This group assignment increases your awareness for the challenges related to modelling a business process that involves multiple parties. You will have to deploy grammars and modelling tools that will be introduced in the first weeks of this unit. You will provide a report and have to be prepared to present your results in the classroom. You will get comprehensive feedback.
Relates to objectives: 1,3,4,5,6
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Week7 (approx)

Assessment name: Report
Description: This group assignment focuses on more complex application areas of business process modelling. You will be able to select a topic among a range of suggested topics and are expected to provide a report in the form of a comprehensive project report detailing the steps and outcomes of the modelling project. You will be asked to include advanced discussions and evaluations of the tools and methods used. You have to be prepared to present your results in the classroom. You will get comprehensive feedback.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 7
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Week 12 (approx)

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: Final Written Exam
Relates to objectives: 1 to 5
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

No extraordinary charges or costs are associated with the requirements for this unit.

Recommended Readings:

Books:
B1: M. Dumas, W. v.d.Aalst, A. ter Hofstede: Process-aware Information Systems. Bridging People and Software through Process Technology.Wiley 2005: Chapters 6,7,12,13.

B2: P. Harmon (2007). Business Process Change. A Guide for Business Managers and BPM and Six Sigma Professionals. 2nd edition, Morgan Kaufman Publishers. Amsterdam et al.: Chapters 3,4,9,15,16.

B3: J. Becker, M. Kugeler, M. Rosemann (eds.): Process Management. A Guide for the Process-oriented Design of Organizations. 2nd ed., Springer-Verlag: Berlin et al. 2011: Chapter 3.

B4: A. Sharp, P. McDermott (2009). Workflow Modeling. 2nd ed., Artech House. Norwood, MA, USA.

B5: M. Weske: Business Process Management. Concepts, Languages, Architectures. Springer 2007: Chapters 3,4.

Risk assessment statement

There are no unusual health or safety risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 28-Jun-2012