How to Model, Analyze, and Improve Business Processes

1. General Introduction

Requirements Definition
The IT Project Landscape
Will the Real Problem Please Stand Up!
The Cost of Errors
Analysis of Business Systems Analysis
What is an Integrated Business Solution?
The Uncertainty Principle
The Fate Chart
A Question File
A Problem with Language
Things to Talk About . . .
Communications Channels
The Three C’s of Requirements Definition
What to Expect from This Class

2. Modeling Business Processes

System Modeling — A Short History
Process Models (The Symbols)
What is "wrong" with this diagram?
A Rigorous Physical Process Model
Order Entry Department
Process-Based Swim Lanes
Process Model Swim Lanes
Context Level Process Model
Physical Model to Context Diagram
Finishing the Context Diagram
Top Level Process Model
Top Level Process Model (review)
Leveling Process Models
Process Hierarchy
Finding Processes Inside Processes
Top Level Process Model
Exploding Enter Orders
Process Specifications (requirements)
Decision Trees and Tables
Decision Trees
Decision Tables
Completely Leveled Process Models
Process Models Can Be Visually Confusing
The Main Line
Wall Chart
Process Model Versus Swimlane Diagram
Comparison of Techniques

3. Analyzing Business Processes

Overview
Functional Analysis of the Current Situation
Process Model for Functional Analysis
Problem Analysis
Process Model for Problem Analysis
Timing Analysis
How to Show Timings
Process Model for Timing Analysis
Exception Identification
Process Model for Exception Analysis
Information Usage Analysis
Order Document for Information Usage Analysis

4. Improving Business Processes

Improvement Opportunities
Finding Process Improvements
Using Appropriate Controls
All Controls Share the Following:
Determining Functional Control Location
Locating Functional Controls
Defining Functional Controls
How do you implement this (Rule) control requirement?
Short Term Improvements
Long Term Suggestions
Improving Business Process Improvement

5. Appendices

2 days

Business Analysts
Business Process Owners
Business Process Managers
Process Improvement Specialists
Requirements Definition Specialists
Strategic Planners
System Analysts
HR professionals dealing with the introduction of new skill needs
TQM and six Sigma Team Members