The Application of Activity Theory to Dynamic Workflow Adaptation Issues

Workflow Management Systems (WfMSs) are implemented to support the modelling, analysis and enactment of rigidly structured business processes. However, they typically have difficulty supporting unexpected or developmental change occurring in the work practices they model, and are unable to provide adequate support for exceptions, or deviations from the process model, even though such deviations are a common occurrence for almost all processes. These limitations mean a large subset of business practices do not easily translate to the inflexible modelling frameworks imposed by WfMSs, and so has inhibited their wider acceptance. Workflow modelling frameworks are usually based on software programming principles and proprietary formats, which may not be the most ideal base for the support of flexible work practices. A better approach may be to develop a WfMS based on accepted ideas of how people actually work. This paper derives a set of principles for work practice from a sound theoretical base called "Activity Theory". These grounded principles are then applied to a set of criteria that a WfMS must meet if it is to provide adequate support for flexible work methods. Commercial workflow products, and some research trends, are discussed in relation to the criteria specified.