Qualitative simulation of organizational microprocesses

Computer-based tools for the representation and simulation of business processes have been noted for their importance in the support of reengineering activities. However, organizational processes can be extremely difficult to represent and simulate mathematically, and limitations of the knowledge-based systems common in the business domain can preclude them from effectively supporting process analysis and redesign. The research described is oriented toward overcoming such limitations of extant computer-based simulation tools. Employing the AI technology of qualitative simulation, we developed and implemented a system for the representation and simulation of organizational microprocesses. This technology possesses a number of desirable features and the microprocess represents a useful unit of analysis. The use and utility of our system is demonstrated via two simulation examples, and we provide a set of research hypotheses for continuing this line of work.<>