Discussion 1: In professional practice, equally qualified process consultants often create radically different models for the same process, each convinced that their approach is superior. Today, you'll argue these positions and discover there's real money and careers riding on these "technical" decisions.
THE BATTLE: The Complexity Wars
Team Complex: "Reality is Messy - Deal With It" Your mission: Argue that real processes are complex, and oversimplified models are dangerous lies that lead to failed implementations. Every exception you don't model is a future crisis waiting to happen. If stakeholders can't handle process complexity, they shouldn't be making process decisions.
Your Role: You MUST argue your assigned position passionately, even if you personally disagree with it. This is about developing the ability to see multiple perspectives and argue any side of a business issue—a critical consulting skill.
Debate Plan:
Round 1: Opening Statements
- Present your position like you're pitching a $500K consulting contract
- Attack the opposing philosophy with concrete business scenarios where their approach fails
- Reference textbook concepts to support your argument
Assignment
You are a process analyst helping your organization document and understand a key business process. This assignment focuses on applying Chapter 3's essential BPMN concepts to create clear, well-structured process models.
Select a familiar process from your work, academic, or personal experience and create a professional BPMN model that demonstrates your mastery of Chapter 3 fundamentals.
Part 1: Process Selection & Context
Choose ONE process from these categories:
- Personal/Academic: Course registration, job application, online shopping checkout
- Workplace: Expense reimbursement, meeting scheduling, document approval
- Service: Restaurant ordering, library book checkout, DMV license renewal
Process Context Brief: Write a short description covering:
- What triggers this process to start?
- Who are the main participants/actors?
- What is the desired outcome?
- Why is this process important to complete correctly?
Part 2: BPMN Model Creation
Technical Requirements: Create a BPMN model demonstrating Chapter 3 concepts:
Core Structure:
- Clear start and end events with descriptive labels
- 5-8 activities using proper verb-object naming conventions
- Logical sequence flow connecting all elements
Gateway Usage:
- At least ONE gateway type (XOR, AND, or OR) with proper conditions
- Demonstrate either decision-making OR parallel execution
- Include appropriate join gateway to merge flows
Organizational Design:
- 2-3 swim lanes showing different roles or departments
- Proper activity placement within appropriate lanes
- No message flows required (single organization focus)
Process Completeness:
- At least one alternative/exception path
- Realistic process scope that could be executed by actual participants
- All elements properly labeled following Chapter 3 conventions
Part 3: Model Documentation
Gateway Decision Explanation: Document your gateway choice:
- Which gateway type did you use and where?
- Why was this gateway appropriate for your process?
- What business logic does it represent?
Token Walk-Through: Trace two complete scenarios through your model:
- Happy path: Normal successful execution
- Alternative path: One exception or alternative route
For each scenario, briefly explain how tokens would flow through your model.
Part 4: Tool Reflection
Reflect on your modeling tool experience:
- Which tool did you choose (Camunda Modeler or BPMN.io) and why?
- What features did you find most helpful for creating your model?
- What challenges did you encounter while using the tool?
Deliverables
- Process diagram (exported as .png or .pdf)
- Documentation: Selection and context, model documentation and tool reflection.
Submission Format: Single PDF containing all documentation with embedded diagram.