Reusable process architectures and process models: an experience report from higher education

We apply a particular process architecture development method, Riva, to a study and comparison of specimen processes in two UK higher education institutions. We developed an outline process architecture for one common area of activity (development and delivery of taught programmes), then drew role activity diagrams for two selected processes at both institutions, in order to compare them. We found considerable variation at the concrete level even in these similar organisations, but saw more commonality when we developed abstract models using only core elements. Though even the abstract models were not identical, there was enough similarity to suggest some potential for reuse of process designs between organisations. Such designs may usefully serve as examples, to be copied, modified or extended as locally appropriate. It might be useful to build repositories of process models and architectures, for use by organisations in the same business sector. © 2009 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd