Measuring method complexity: UML versus BPMN

Jan Recker, Michael Zur Muehlen, Keng Siau, John Erickson, Marta Indulska

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

36 Scopus citations

Abstract

Graphical models are used to depict relevant aspects of real-world domains intended to be supported by an information system. Various approaches for modeling exist and approaches such as object-oriented and process-oriented modeling methods are in widespread use. These modeling methods differ in their expressive power as well as in their complexity of use, thereby leading to an important investment decision for organizations seeking to conduct modeling projects. In this paper, we used an established approach for evaluating the complexity of conceptual modeling methods and compared two important industry standards for modeling, Unified Modeling Language and Business Process Modeling Notation, based on their complexity. Our research finds that BPMN has very high levels of complexity when contrasted with UML.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication15th Americas Conference on Information Systems 2009, AMCIS 2009
Pages4444-4452
Number of pages9
StatePublished - 2009
Event15th Americas Conference on Information Systems 2009, AMCIS 2009 - San Francisco, CA, United States
Duration: 6 Aug 20099 Aug 2009

Publication series

Name15th Americas Conference on Information Systems 2009, AMCIS 2009
Volume7

Conference

Conference15th Americas Conference on Information Systems 2009, AMCIS 2009
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco, CA
Period6/08/099/08/09

Keywords

  • BPMN
  • Complexity
  • Object-oriented modeling
  • Process modeling
  • UML

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