Does it matter which process modelling language we teach or use? An experimental study on understanding process modelling languages without formal education
(2007) Does it matter which process modelling language we teach or use? An experimental study on understanding process modelling languages without formal education. In Toleman, Mark and Cater-Steel, Aileen and Roberts, Dave, Eds. Proceedings 18th Australasian Conference on Information Systems, pages pp. 356-366, Toowoomba, Australia.
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Abstract
Process modelling has over the years become an essential skill in Information Systems and Business Process Management practice. Consequently, more and more training programs have evolved, teaching different process modelling languages. Two popular process modelling languages are being compared in this experimental study. Experiment participants received extensive training in one language but not the other, leading to the expectation that learning outcomes would be better in the case of the familiar language. Our study provides empirical evidence that this is not the case. In fact, it is shown that participants achieved similar learning outcomes when confronted with the unfamiliar language. Our results lead to a fundamental question, namely whether it is actually an important teaching decision what sort of process modelling language is being taught. Our findings suggest that education and research in process modelling should focus on aspects other than the style, nature or features of languages and tools.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Keywords: | Process modelling, BPMN, EPC, cognitive theory, experiment |
| Subjects: | 280000 Information, Computing and Communication Sciences > 280100 Information Systems > 280111 Conceptual Modelling |
| ID Code: | 12270 |
| Deposited By: | Recker, Jan |
| Deposited On: | 30 January 2008 |
| Alternative Locations: | http://www.acis2007.usq.edu.au/ |
| Copyright Owner: | Copyright 2007 (please consult author) |
| Additional Information: | The contents of this conference can be freely accessed online via the conference’s web page (see hypertext link). |