Object Oriented Process Analysis
“In this section on object-oriented analysis and design, we will introduce you to sequence diagrams. We will first show how to design some of the use cases we identified earlier in the analysis phase using sequence diagrams. A use case design describes how each use case is performed by a set of communicating objects (Jacobson et al., 1992). In UML, an interaction diagram is used to show the pattern of interactions among objects for a particular use case. There are two types of interaction diagrams: sequence diagrams and collaboration diagrams (Object Management Group,2008 ). Both express similar information, but they do so in different ways. Whereas sequence diagrams show the explicit sequencing of messages, collaboration diagrams show the relationships among objects. In the next section, we will show you how to design use cases using sequence diagrams.
At the heart of just about any information system developed for organizations, there is a business process. A business process is a standard method for accomplishing a particular task necessary for an organization to function. A business process can come from any business function, from accounting to supply chain management to after-sales service. It can cross business functions as well. A business process can be simple or complex, but the more complex it is, the harder it is to automate. Complexity also makes a process more difficult to understand for those who are not familiar with it. Communication tools are needed to describe business processes to those who need to know about them, such as systems analysts, but who have no firsthand knowledge of the processes. There are many ways to represent business processes, from data flow diagrams to activity diagrams. The Object Management Group (OMG), the same group that is responsible for standards for object-oriented programming, has established a specific modeling approach for business processes. It is called Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN). This appendix provides a very brief introduction to BPMN. First, we will introduce you to the basic notation in BPMN, and second, we will provide a couple of examples.“
Valacich, J. S., & George, J. F. (2017). Modern systems analysis and design (8th ed.). Boston: Pearson.
Activities
- Read: Appendix 7C & 7D in Modern Systems Analysis and Design
- Participate in this week’s class and online discussions
- Complete written assignment 10.1 (WA-10.1)
- Complete practical assignment 10.1 (PA-10.1)
- Complete quiz 10.1
Objectives
- understand how to represent system logic with sequence diagrams.
- understand how to represent business processes with business process diagrams.
Topics
- Dynamic Modeling: Sequence Diagrams
- Designing a Use Case with a Sequence Diagram
- Business Process Modeling