A systemic framework for business process modelling and implementation

This paper proposes a systemic framework combining techniques from Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), the Unified Modelling Language (UML) and the Naked Objects approach to implementing interactive software systems. The framework supports the full development cycle from business process modelling to software implementation. SSM is used to explore the problem situation, techniques based on the UML are used for detailed design and the Naked Objects framework is used for implementation. We argue that there are advantages from combining and using the three techniques together to improve the quality of business process modelling and implementation. The proposed systemic framework is explained and justified using Mingers multimethodology ideas. The approach is being evaluated through a series of action research projects based on real-world case studies.