Modelling Processes with IDEF0 method

Describe relevant elements: OUTPUT (Purpose; Deliverable(s); Quality Targets); INPUT (Materials and Data; Other Prerequisites); RESOURCES (People; Required Skills; Tools a.o. Resources); METHOD (Philosophy or Principles; Process Steps (Flowchart), and Timing; Tips; Management)

PURPOSE:  Build generally understood representations of processes to facilitate smooth and effective operation of the University. Process models can be built using the IDEF0 method; other approaches are possible too. Process model should be simple and concise yet bring out the critical elements of the process.

RESOURCES:  Every staff and faculty member can analyze his/her work processes. Often, this work should be done in group. The most important processes must be reviewed and approved by the management.

Deliverables:  IDEF0 process models could be submitted into central electronic repository—if the process involves a larger part of the University. Otherwise, the process models are just tools for work analysis and control.

METHOD:  IDEF0 is a simple yet quite powerful process modelling method. It is widely used in Business Process Reengineering, a field of modern management. US Army, among others, has established IDEF0 to standard method for process modelling and improvement.

The most basic subset of the method is extremely simple:  Process is represented  as a box, with arrows leading to and from the four sides. To understand and/or define the process, six elements must be defined, in a way or another: INPUT, OUTPUT, RESOURCES, PEOPLE, METHOD and MANAGEMENT.

Any process can be decomposed into set of sub-processes; then, the boxes of processes will be connected with arrows. Therefore, the method is very scalable—it can be used for both general and detailed analyses.

A few brief introductions to the method are available:

www.idef.com/idef0.html

www.bisoft.com.au/idef0.htm

www.microafrica.co.za/tass/idef0.htm