Models and tools for analyzing
and designing organizational work processes and information systems
Funding agency: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council
of Canada
Principal Investigator:
Eric Yu, Faculty of Information Studies, U. of Toronto
Duration: 4 years (1995 -- 2000)
Abstract
This research aims to develop a new class of information systems modelling
techniques based on the concept of intentional, strategic actor relationships,
first outlined in the doctoral dissertation of the Principal Investigator.
The objective is to extend existing conceptual modelling and knowledge
representation techniques so as to better deal with domains involving complex
networks ("organizations") of agents, roles, and processes. Modelling
complex systems in terms of intentional relationships (such as wants and
abilities) among its constituent agents provides a higher level abstraction
than conventional input-output modelling, allowing motivations and rationales
to be expressed and reasoned about. The intentional models will support
explicit reasoning about cooperation and conflict, and the systematic management
of change. These considerations are crucial as information systems
become more distributed, heterogeneous, and more deeply intertwined in
complex (and constantly evolving) organizational processes. Initially,
the research will target three main application areas: information systems
requirements engineering, business process reengineering, and software
processes. In each area, knowledge-based tools will support the modelling,
analysis, and (re)design of organizational processes and their information
systems.
Keywords: information systems analysis and design, strategic
actors, intentional models, requirements engineering, organization modelling
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