Deriving Object-based Business Process Architectures Using Role-based Business Process Models: A Reverse-Engineering Approach Applied to the Cell Therapy and Applied Genomics in a Cancer Care Organisation

The aim of this study is to explore the usefulness of a reverse-engineering approach compared to a conventionally used, forward-engineering Riva approach, to identify Essential Business Entities (EBEs) that can be converted to Units of Work (UOWs). The conventional approach uses 14 Riva heuristics, whereas, the reverse engineering approach uses selected, role-based business process models and workflows, linked to organisational policies and protocols, to develop object-based Business Process Architectures (BPAs). The reverse engineering approach requires limited input from the concerned stakeholders, and saves considerable time and effort in identifying candidate EBEs and calculating subsequent UOWS. This approach has demonstrated usefulness in application at a Cancer Care organisation where readiness of validated process models (of the Cell Therapy and Applied Genomics (CTAG)) and also the limited time busy key stakeholders have to conduct brainstorming sessions. Additionally, this paper has demonstrated that domain representative BPAs can be developed bottom-up from business process models that have been utilised to inform adherence to organisational policies and protocols. Finally, the linkages between the CTAG detailed business process models with the respective BPA processes provided a magnifying lens over what can be in-sourced, outsourced, semi or fully-automated processes as observed through the BPA case study and feedback obtained through concerned stakeholders.