Building Agent-Based Simulations Using Structural and Process Mental Models

This paper provides a design rationale for a mechanism that enforces a correct mapping between a model of a nested agent organization and a model of a composite interaction-based business process. We use an example of a collaborative process to illustrate the features of this mechanism. The mapping is realized through an isomorphism between two formal belief structures. The main advantages of this approach are clarity and simplicity of the process and organizational models, and easy simulation due to the automatic assignment of agents to role-based interactions.