Business Process Modeling Applications Using Decision Process Petri Nets

This paper presents a formal framework for business process modeling and analysis using partially ordered transition Decision Process Petri nets (DPPN). The advantage of this approach is its ability to represent the dynamic behavior of the business process. The business process model is supported by an information technology strategic planning (ITSP) model and methodology. The modeling methodology is based in business strategy transformation. High-level business strategies are re…ned up to the point when they can be described in terms of the activities needed to achieve a certain tactical business strategy given only in terms of goals and strategies. At this point, partially ordered DPPN are used for business process representation and analysis. DPPN extends the place-transitions Petri net theoretic approach including the Markov decision process. In this sense, DPPN corresponds to a series of strategies which guide the selection of actions that lead to a …nal (decision) state. By taking into account di¤erent possible courses of action the overall utility of each strategy is considered. The utility function of each business process is represented by a Lyapunov like function. Conditions of equilibrium and stability for the DPPN are analyzed. For illustration purposes, two examples are presented. Key-words: Business Process, information technology strategic planning, DPPN, strategies and goals, Lyapunov.