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A linear time layout algorithm for business process models

Authors:

Thomas Gschwind,

Jakob Pinggera,

Hajo A. Reijers,

Barbara WeberAuthors Info & Claims

Journal of Visual Languages and Computing, Volume 25, Issue 2

Pages 117 - 132

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvlc.2013.11.002

Published: 01 April 2014 Publication History

Abstract

The layout of a business process model influences how easily it can be understood. Existing layout features in process modeling tools often rely on graph representations, but do not take the specific properties of business process models into account. In this paper, we propose an algorithm that is based on a set of constraints which are specifically identified toward establishing a readable layout of a process model. Our algorithm exploits the structure of the process model and allows the computation of the final layout in linear time. We explain the algorithm, show its detailed run-time complexity, compare it to existing algorithms, and demonstrate in an empirical evaluation the acceptance of the layout generated by the algorithm. The data suggests that the proposed algorithm is well perceived by moderately experienced process modelers, both in terms of its usefulness as well as its ease of use.

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Cited By

Burattin ABernstein VNeurauter MSoffer PWeber B(2018)Detection and quantification of flow consistency in business process modelsSoftware and Systems Modeling (SoSyM)10.1007/s10270-017-0576-y17:2(633-654)Online publication date: 1-May-2018
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1007/s10270-017-0576-y
Burattin ASoffer PFahland DMendling JReijers HVanderfeesten IWeidlich MWeber B(2018)Who Is Behind the Model? Classifying Modelers Based on Pragmatic Model FeaturesBusiness Process Management10.1007/978-3-319-98648-7_19(322-338)Online publication date: 9-Sep-2018
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1007/978-3-319-98648-7_19
Petrusel RMendling JReijers H(2016)Task-specific visual cues for improving process model understandingInformation and Software Technology10.1016/j.infsof.2016.07.00379:C(63-78)Online publication date: 1-Nov-2016
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1016/j.infsof.2016.07.003

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Published In

cover image Journal of Visual Languages and Computing

Journal of Visual Languages and Computing Volume 25, Issue 2

April, 2014

79 pages

ISSN:1045-926X

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Copyright © Elsevier Ltd © 2013.

Publisher

Academic Press, Inc.

United States

Publication History

Published: 01 April 2014

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Cited By

Burattin ABernstein VNeurauter MSoffer PWeber B(2018)Detection and quantification of flow consistency in business process modelsSoftware and Systems Modeling (SoSyM)10.1007/s10270-017-0576-y17:2(633-654)Online publication date: 1-May-2018
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1007/s10270-017-0576-y
Burattin ASoffer PFahland DMendling JReijers HVanderfeesten IWeidlich MWeber B(2018)Who Is Behind the Model? Classifying Modelers Based on Pragmatic Model FeaturesBusiness Process Management10.1007/978-3-319-98648-7_19(322-338)Online publication date: 9-Sep-2018
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1007/978-3-319-98648-7_19
Petrusel RMendling JReijers H(2016)Task-specific visual cues for improving process model understandingInformation and Software Technology10.1016/j.infsof.2016.07.00379:C(63-78)Online publication date: 1-Nov-2016
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1016/j.infsof.2016.07.003

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