Business Processes: Modelling and Analysis for Re-Engineering and Improvement

With the massive increase in interest in BPR, TQM and ISO 9000 has come a tide of texts and evangelical razzamatazz on the philosophy and the hearts and minds issues. But those tasked with making change happen at the coal face must feel short of practical tools to work with when it comes to modelling and analysing the business processes that are to be re-engineered, improved or defined. This book provides an answer. Why worry about processes? People know that organisations have functions and responsibilities but not everyone will see these as part of the process. Each person does their bit, but how do all the pieces fit together? Starting people to think about processes and simply modelling the processes can provide individuals and groups with a perspective which transcends parochial views and results in a more collaborative spirit; "now I know what you want I can ensure you get it reliably". A model that makes the process visible to all concerned brings great value in itself. Business Processes is intended to help people "get out of the functional silos". What is STRIM? STRIM-A Systematic Technique for Role & Interaction Modelling-and its central notation-The Role Activity Diagram- provides a practical method for really getting to grips with what the organisation does and how it does it, in a way which is revealing, communicative, and accessible by everyone around the organisation. The book covers the full method: from organising a modelling project, through the notation, its use at micro and macro levels, patterns of organisational behaviour, through process analysis and on into process support system development.