Change Impact Analysis to Manage Process Evolutions: Managing Process Evolutions in Web-based Workflow Management Systems

Business processes are the pillars of an organisation that define and distinguish it from another. Advancements in web technologies persuade organisations to automate their processes as web-based Workflow Management Systems (WfMS). The paradox of process automation is the constant changes in processes that force the automated systems to evolve. Despite the claimed flexibility, replicating process changes in WfMS is still a challenging task. One reason for this is the lack of tools that support managing the impact of process changes. Therefore, this work introduces a framework that captures all process and automation related information completely and cohesively. The solution allows analysing the impact of process changes prior to making solid changes in WfMS. The solution is founded on an algebraic process modelling technique based on Kleene Algebra with Tests (KAT) and a tool named Process Evolution and Change Impact Analysis (PECIA) model. Although this solution is founded on deep theoretical concepts, these are presented in a very practical manner using a real-life process automation and management example; making this book an apt reading for both novice and expert researchers.