Measuring the impact of process models on achieving a common understanding of a process: A case study

Many uses of process models have been suggested in the literature, such as process models can help in understanding a process or they can be used as a baseline for process improvement. However, there are few quantitative studies that have validated these uses. In this thesis, we describe one use of process models by demonstrating empirically how process models help in achieving common understanding of a process among the people associated with the process. Literature in management sciences prescribes achieving common understanding of the process as an essential element of an effective organization. To carry out our research, case study was used as the research method. The study involved modelling the Transport Canada Aviation Technical Training Planning Process. Data collected during the study was analyzed using our metrics and the results showed that in the absence process models, the process agents could specify approximately 26% of the activities and 10% of the artifacts of the Technical Training Planning Process, and demonstrated that process models helped in achieving a common understanding of the process among the people associated with the process.