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Supporting distributed decision processes using an evolution model

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Abstract

In recent years, emerging Information and Communication Technologies have changed the nature and process of decision making. Decision processes are often distributed, heterogeneous and subject to change. Business process modelling is a key technology for analysing, representing and executing business processes. It can be used to study distributed decision processes and improve decision making practices. A theoretical model of the decision process has been developed in order to better integrate the decision concept with models of business processes. The decision model is executed using a process support system that provides a distributed Web user interface. The enacted decision model evolves as the decision process progresses and supports decision makers if and when needed. The case study of an actual decision process undertaken in a not-for-profit organisation is presented to highlight the use, execution and validation of the decision model.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all those individuals who willingly set aside their time to enlighten us about the HEFCE 00/56 decision process and also to participate in interesting discussions about the decision-making practices within their organisation. We would also like to acknowledge the support of our colleagues. In addition, special thanks are due to Melvin Loh who contributed to the implementation of the active model. This work was funded by the Research Support Fund (University of Manchester). Ian Robertson sadly passed away before this article was published. Nadia Papamichail is grateful for his insightful discussions and wise comments. He was a great man, a trustworthy friend and an extraordinary colleague. Trained as civil engineer, he worked for several years in the Middle East before being appointed as Research Fellow in the School of Computer Science, University of Manchester. He was an active member and representative of the Association of University Teachers (Manchester University branch) and an elected local Councillor for the Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council in the area of Greater Manchester. Ian’s motto in life was ‘what is popular may not be right and what is right may not be popular’. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all his colleagues.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, Booth Street East, Manchester, M15 6PB, UK

    K. N. Papamichail

  2. School of Computer Science, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK

    I. Robertson

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  1. K. N. Papamichail
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  2. I. Robertson
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Correspondence to K. N. Papamichail.

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Papamichail, K.N., Robertson, I. Supporting distributed decision processes using an evolution model. Oper Res Int J 8, 279–297 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12351-008-0019-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12351-008-0019-1

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