Business process modelling with stochastic networks

Modelling and analysis of business processes is critical to identify current business processes and to understand the contributions of new processes to the system. The quality of the results obtained by modelling and analysis significantly influences the success of business process reengineering (BPR). Therefore, a constant development in techniques used in business process modelling (BPM) and business process analysis (BPA) is necessary. However, when these proposed techniques are analysed it becomes obvious that they repeat the same basic approach, although a few offer different visions. In BPM development studies, the use of time-activity scheduling is often considered secondary (even neglected). The reason for this is that process modelling may be considered as project management and remain under this label. Many organizations may use these techniques in managing their daily activities if the maturity level and the simplicity of project management techniques are considered. It also enables the modelling of stochastic situations, otherwise not possible to do by any BPM method. In this study an existing business process with network properties is analysed using project scheduling techniques. Thus, business processes are described as networks, modelled and timed by network properties and stochastically analysed using GERT, a project based process scheduling method. Finally the results obtained by GERT are examined using the PERT-path approach.     

A model of the operations concerned in remanufacture

Remanufacturing is a process of bringing used products (known as ‘cores’) to ‘like-new’ functional state by rebuilding and replacing their component parts. Remanufacture has long been used in many industries for high-capital-cost equipment, but it represents a new kind of business process for companies in other industries that, for a mixture of cost, regulatory, and environmental reasons, wish to adapt to this mode of operation. The primary objective of this research was to develop a model of the business processes used in remanufacture. The methodology used included a review of candidate modelling techniques, case-study work with companies, and evaluation work with a panel of experts based on the necessary properties of relevant research. The outcome of the research was a model that has been validated in the electromechanical industry. The paper presents several diagrams to illustrate the structure of the model and concludes with some proposals for further work to build upon this understanding of this key business process for sustainability.     

The business of modelling: some anecdotes on modelling in business and story-telling

There has been a tremendous increase in the use of computer modelling in business appraisal and decision-making over the last ten years or so. This has been driven in part by the adoption of large spreadsheets for modelling every major financial transaction, and also by the widespread availability of cheap computer power on every desk. This paper draws on the author's experiences in industry and management consulting, and argues that much of this computer modelling activity does not follow what might be termed a ‘scientific’ path. Models as actually used in business may be more usefully thought of as contributing to the ‘storytelling’ within an organisation by which it articulates and justifies its business planning.     

Developing a process re-engineering-oriented organizational change exploratory simulation system (PROCESS)

In the past two decades, business process re-engineering (BPR) and organizational restructuring (OR) have been two of the most popular approaches to improving the efficiency and the effectiveness of an organization. However, a review of the relevant literature reveals that the two approaches have been studied in isolation. The theoretical gap in academic research is also reflected in practice. The present paper therefore proposes a customer-oriented and process-focused two-stage framework, entitled the ‘process re-engineering-oriented organizational change exploratory simulation system’ (‘PROCESS’), to address these theoretical deficiencies. Two key concepts are introduced in this two-stage framework. The first is the ‘process module’ (PM), which indicates a set of common sequential activities that can be grouped as a subunit of a business process. The second is the ‘macro-process’ (MP), which indicates that a set of business processes have similar characteristics or functions. The two concepts serve as ‘stepping stones’ between BPR and OR. Based on these two concepts, the decision rules and the mathematical/simulation model can be developed under this two-stage framework. The paper then presents a case study to demonstrate the effectiveness of the ‘PROCESS’.     

一种基于代理的动态服务组合方法

Web服务是现代网络流行的技术之一,而BPEL4WS的流程建模工具又是基于Web服务wsdl的,该文提出的在BPEL4WS中引入AgentService是对BPEL4WS运行模式的改进,提出在BPEL4WS中引入AgentService之后,不仅减少了流程模板的编制,而且增加了与用户的交互性.     

Towards the derivation of an integrated process cost-modelling technique for complex manufacturing systems

Cost modelling is used to support business decisions, especially, when the objective is to remain competitive on price and be able to realise outputs at low cost. Many researchers and industrialists have proposed and experimented with different cost-modelling techniques with a view to influencing design and production decisions at an early stage of the development process. This has led to cost-modelling methods which have been broadly classified in this paper as qualitative and quantitative. The paper identifies current best practice cost-modelling techniques and their performance in complex and dynamic manufacturing environments. The review served as a platform to support the recommendation for an integrated cost-modelling methodology. The integrated methodology is based on the strengths of cost engineering, enterprise modelling, system dynamics and discrete event simulation modelling techniques. The method can help in the redesign and re-engineering of products and processes for better cost and value indications; support investment decision analysis; help determine appropriate business and manufacturing paradigms; influence ‘make, buy or outsourcing’ decisions and serve as a key process improvement tool.     

Requests network model for deadlock detection and avoidance in automated manufacturing systems

A modern competitive environment requires rapid and effective responses to varying production demands with shorter life cycles. A feasible solution to cope with such unpredictable situations is to introduce an automated manufacturing system characterized by high flexibility, autonomy and cooperation. Much research has been done on negotiation-based scheduling and control under the distributed control architecture due to its operational flexibility and scalability. Despite many advantages, the probability of the system stalling at a deadlock state is high. Specifically, it is difficult to detect impending part flow deadlocks within the system. A system request network model is defined here to analyse various deadlock situations. Request cycles are then identified by a virtual part flow control mechanism. No request cycle in the system request network represents ‘no system deadlock’. For any request cycle, a deadlock analysis is performed. If any request cycle exists that represents either a part flow deadlock or an impending part flow deadlock, then the system will be deadlocked. The proposed model can analyse all types of impending part flow deadlocks. Furthermore, it is more efficient through the reduction of search space, is applicable to various configurations and is less restrictive in dynamic shop floor control.     

Manufacturing process analysis with support of workflow modelling and simulation

Process analysis is recognized as a major stage in business process reengineering that has developed over the last two decades. Manufacturing process analysis (MPA) is defined as performance analysis of the production process. A manufacturing process analysis framework is outlined with emphasis on linking a company's strategy to operational process. Two issues, namely process modelling and simulation based analysis, are investigated. A compound workflow model (CWM) is proposed to provide graphic presentation of the production process that can be easily understood. Also it can be used directly by simulation to study the impacts of scheduling policy and analyse the process performance. A two-stage simulation analysis method is provided to quantitatively and efficiently define cause-and-effect relations to identify drivers for improvement. The manufacturing environment, PSC (production planning, scheduling and control) factors and the process structure are three main concerns considered in the simulation. An example is discussed in the final part of the paper.     

‘Infinite domain’ elements

A parametric element is formulated which enables the economic modelling of ‘infinite domain’ type problmes. A typical problem is an opening in a stress field in an infinite medium, either in two or three dimensions. The strategy is to model around the opening with two or three layers of conventional isoparametric finite elements and surround these with a single layer of ‘infinite domain’ elements. Several sample problems has been analysed for circular, square and spherical openings in infinite media, and the results compared with either theoretical or boundary element solutions which include the ‘infinite’ boundary in their solution technique.     

Systematic approach for the gap analysis of business processes

Process benchmarking and business process re-engineering (BPR) have become two main methodologies used to implement business process improvement and have attracted much attention in a current fast-changing environment. Leveraging best practice has become the important factor of process benchmarking and BPR. Accurate knowledge of the gaps between best practice processes and a company's business processes is essential for the redesign of business processes. This paper proposes a systematic enterprise model comparison approach to assist a project team in business process gap analysis (BPGA). A three-phased framework including business process modelling, object semantic analysis phase and process gap analysis phase was developed. An approach of applying the concepts of semantic similarity analysis to find the semantic-related objects in different processes was also proposed. In addition, a set of process path patterns and an alternative process path analysis method was developed to facilitate the processed data and process logic gap analysis between two processes. With the proposed BPGA approach, project teams will understand and redesign their processes more effectively.     

An efficient real-time deadlock-free control algorithm for automated manufacturing systems

In recent years, deadlock issue has received considerable attention in the real-time control realm of automated manufacturing system (AMS). In this paper, we propose a simple and easily adaptable deadlock avoidance algorithm using a graph theoretic approach. Unlike Petri-net based methods which are complex and static from the viewpoint that once they are constructed and implemented, it is not easy to modify them as the system configuration is changed, and operate them coupled with other shop-floor control modules such as a dispatching controller, our algorithm can be used cooperatively with a dispatching controller and expanded with little modification. The core of the algorithm consists of two modules: resource allocation policy and a cycle detection method. In particular, the resource allocation policy is of importance in our algorithm because even though the cycle detection method is employed, deadlock may occur under wrong resource allocation policies. Throughout this paper, we propose a quasi two-step resourceallocation policy with which our deadlock avoidance algorithm can detect and avoid deadlock just one step before deadlock.     

Testing a theoretical model underlying the ‘Toyota Way’ – an empirical study involving a large global sample of Toyota facilities

In this paper, we empirically test the theoretical model underlying the Toyota Way (TW), based on data obtained from Toyota’s logistics, sales and marketing functions across 27 countries. TW is the result of Toyota attempting to codify its culture to the global community. Using structural equation modelling techniques we show that the TW-associated measures challenge, kaizen, genchi genbutsu, respect and teamwork do adequately operationally define the TW; the first three measures corresponding to the construct ‘process improvement’ and the final two measures corresponding to the construct ‘people development’. Empirically, people development is found to have no direct effect on how the TW is deployed across a business unit. However, people development is found to be indirectly related to TW deployment through the mediating effect of process improvement. Our study provides quantitative evidence that while the intangible aspects of the TW (modelled as people development) may not directly relate to the results, they are an integral component of a complete implementation of the TW and related ‘Lean’ systems. By logical extension, this provides support for adoption of a holistic and long-term strategy, integrating soft and hard elements, by those organisations attempting to implement and sustain Toyota-style systems.     

Search strategies at the European Patent Office

Prior-art search is a critical step towards determining whether a patent can be granted or not. In 2016, an internal project called Search Workflow Modelling (SWM) was launched at the European Patent Office (EPO) for building a search knowledgebase, which contains a set of models that record not only the current situation on how patent examiners deal with prior-art search (i.e. the as-is models), but also their requirements of being able to do a more efficient and effective search (i.e. the to-be models). We use the Fact-based Modelling (FBM) approach for formalizing search ontologies, which cover a common vocabulary, relations between concepts related to search, and constraints applicable to these relations. We use a hybrid modelling approach of Business Process Modelling Notations and Case Management Model and Notations (BPMN/CMMN) to model search work flows. A patent search strategy typically involves at least one FBM model and at least one BPMN/CMMN model. In this paper, we will illustrate 5 types of existing search strategies (including recursive flow patterns and FBM models for future search features), and future search strategies. The SWM empirical studies in this paper are being put into practice in the ongoing projects concerning search tools at the EPO.     

BPEL组合服务流程动态性能的定量预测方法

针对服务质量研究在流程模型相关性和流程性能动态性方面存在的不足,将吞吐量和响应时间引入到组合服务流程性能评估的流程级指标中,借助排队网络系统的相关结论,研究了组合服务流程动态性能的定量预测方法,给出了针对组合服务流程执行语言(BPEL)的动态性能临界值计算方法,并通过一个示例介绍了该方法在BPEL组合服务流程的动态性能定量预测和组合方案优化中的应用。     

A sweeping window method for detection of flaws using an explicit dynamic XFEM and absorbing boundary layers

We present a sweeping window method in elastodynamics for detection of multiple flaws embedded in a large structure. The key idea is to measure the elastic wave propagation generated by a dynamic load within a smaller substructural detecting window domain, given a sufficient number of sensors. Hence, rather than solving the full structure, one solves a set of smaller dynamic problems quickly and efficiently. To this end, an explicit dynamic extended FEM with circular/elliptical void enrichments is implemented to model the propagation of elastic waves in the detecting window domain. To avoid wave reflections, we consider the window as an unbounded domain with the option of full‐infinite/semi‐infinite/quarter‐infinite domains and employ a simple multi‐dimensional absorbing boundary layer technique. A spatially varying Rayleigh damping is proposed to eliminate spurious wave reflections at the artificial model boundaries. In the process of flaw detection, two phases are proposed: (i) pre‐analysis—identification of rough damage regions through a data‐driven approach, and (ii) post‐analysis‐–identification of the true flaw parameters by a two‐stage optimization technique. The ‘pre‐analysis’ phase considers the information contained in the ‘pseudo’ healthy structure and the scattered wave signals, providing an admissible initial guess for the optimization process. Then a two‐stage optimization approach (the simplex method and a damped Gauss–Newton algorithm) is carried out in the ‘post‐analysis’ phase for convergence to the true flaw parameters. A weighted sum of the least squares, of the residuals between the measured and simulated waves, is used to construct the objective function for optimization. Several benchmark examples are numerically illustrated to test the performance of the proposed sweeping methodology for detection of multiple flaws in an unbounded elastic domain. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Role of mathematical modelling in metallurgy

Mathematical modelling is identified as one of the several techniques which may be used for process analysis. The scope of modelling in metallurgy and the steps involved in model formulation are described. Limitations of mathematical modelling in process analysis are pointed out. The need for a sound experimental programme/plant trials that must go on in parallel with the model exercise is emphasized. Three examples of mathematical modelling of metallurgical processes are presented to illustrate some of the points made above. The examples include mathematical modelling of (i) a copper convertor, (ii) interfacial phenomena in metal-ceramic systems, and (iii) mixing in a gas-stirred liquid bath.     

Manufacturing supply chain modelling and reengineering

The first-wave of reengineering, during the first half of the nineties, focused on making organizational changes and used primarilyinformation models of supply chains to integrate business processes.Quantitative models are expected to have a significant impact in the second-wave of reengineering through the deployment of performance and optimization models, economic analysis, and decision support systems. In this paper, we focus on the vital role that quantitative modelling techniques such as those founded in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering can play in reengineering supply chains. These quantitative models can extend the business process reengineering concepts to provide a concurrent reengineering framework for modelling the supply chain processes, identifying reengineering opportunities, evaluating design alternatives, guiding the selection of the best alternative, and deploying tools to implement the design. We illustrate such use by surveying current industrial practice and introducing real world examples based on our practical experience in solving supply chain and reengineering problems.