Process Engineering

The lecture “Process Engineering” is part of the Master of Science in Information Systems (MScIS) program at the University of Münster, Germany. The program is a four-semester full-time course taught entirely in English.

The 120 ECTS master’s program consists of three Majors: Data Science
Managing Digital Business
Business Process Management (which includes this lecture)

The curriculum includes: One introductory course (6 ECTS)
Six lectures of the Major (36 ECTS)
Four elective lectures from other Majors (24 ECTS)
Two seminars (12 ECTS)
One project seminar (12 ECTS)
A Master Thesis (30 ECTS)

In addition to Process Engineering, the 36 ECTS Business Process Management Major includes complementary lectures covering: Process Thinking: Developing a process-oriented mindset, understanding BPM’s theoretical foundations, and state-of-the-art frameworks.
Enterprise Architecture Management: Integrating business and IT to describe organizations holistically.
Public Services: Managing public services with focuses on Human-Centric Design, User Experience, and Usability.
Supply Chain Management: Applying data, process, and reference modeling in supply chain contexts.
Production and Retail: Process modeling, ERP, and intelligent trade/manufacturing.

Expected Pre-Knowledge: Basics of conceptual modeling and elementary programming skills.

Lecturer: Dr. Armin Stein
https://erc.is/p/armin.stein

Process Engineering covers technical concepts of BPM including Process Mining, Process Modeling, Process Implementation and Execution, as well as Robotic Process Automation. The BPM life-cycle (as per Dumas et al., 2018) serves as the guiding framework.

Course Outline

The course is divided into the following parts, with designated slots for on-site case study work:

Topic
Course Introduction
Business Process Management On-Boarding
Process Modelling Theory
Introduction to Signavio, 2x Case Work
Discussion on BPMN Models
Introduction to Process Mining
Current Topics in Process Mining
Introduction to Celonis
Introduction to Process Execution / Workflow Management
Introduction to Process Monitoring & Controlling
Introduction to Camunda, 4x Case Work
Discussion on Process Mining and Process Execution Solutions
Applying the BPM Lifecycle in Practice
Introduction to Robotic Process Automation
Introduction to UIPath, 2x Case Work
Discussion of RPA Solutions
Course ReCap

Duration: Each lecture lasts approximately 90 minutes.
There are 17 on-site events plus eight additional sessions (2 + 4 + 2) for group work.
On-site sessions cover 37.5 hours of the 150 hours for the 6 ECTS.
The remaining 112.5 hours include:
2 hours revision per lecture (34 hours)
4 hours per group work session (32 hours)
3 hours training for each tool (12 hours)
34 hours exam preparation

Case Study

A case study complements the course and is an essential element of the curriculum. The case study involves a pharmacy manufacturing company (CuraMedica) collaborating with another company (InnoTrial) to conduct drug trials. The phases of the case study are:

Phase 1: Create a BPMN model in Signavio for InnoTrial (with three complexity levels).
Phase 2: Analyze process trace data from InnoTrial using Celonis.
Phase 3: Convert the process into an executable workflow in Camunda.
Phase 4: Automate one of InnoTrial’s process tasks using UIPath with OCR to update a database.

Group Work:
Groups consist of four to five students.
A “buddy” system allows formation of micro groups which then integrate into larger groups.

Deliverables:
Recordings demonstrating the solution
Access to the working directories (e.g., via GitLab)
Participation in classroom discussions

Case Study Link:
https://uni-muenster.sciebo.de/s/oRf4yJ2THWB9j5Y
Password provided via email.

Case Study API docs: https://process-engineering.uni-muenster.de/api/docs

Course Introduction

Content:
Introduction to the course setting and expectation management
Presentation of the course outline
Introduction of the case study
Icebreaker (peer introductions, previous studies)
Introduction to Learnweb
Future discussion on evaluation results from previous lectures

Learning Goals:
Explain the course rationale and structure
Navigate Learnweb and connect with peers
Understand lecturer expectations

Business Process Management On-Boarding

Content:
A brief history of BPM
Introduction of the BPM Maturity Model by Rosemann & vom Brocke
Discussion on the technical aspects of the Maturity Model
Detailed presentation of the BPM life-cycle by Dumas et al. (2018)
Discussion on the life-cycle based on Nousias et al. (2024)

Learning Goals:
Recall managerial fundamentals of BPM (according to vom Brocke and Rosemann, 2015)
Understand BPM’s embedding within a larger context
Use the BPM Life-Cycle as a framework
Critically evaluate the BPM life-cycle

Process Modelling Theory

Content:
Importance of having a goal and purpose when creating process models
Discussion on the “Common Model Theory” (Stachowiak, 1973)
Consideration of modeler biases and the mental abstraction process
Demonstration of why good modeling guidelines are necessary
Introduction to modeling tools that incorporate meta models, shape sets, and handbooks
Discussion on the relevance of the BPM life-cycle in addressing stakeholder needs

Learning Goals:
Explain the rationale behind common model theory
Connect the model theory to the design phase of the BPM life-cycle
Describe stakeholder requirements for process models
Apply modeling guidelines effectively

Introduction to Signavio, 2x Case Work

Content:
Introduction of the Signavio Process Manager (SPM) by a SAP Signavio representative
Overview of the SAP Signavio product portfolio with focus on SPM
Discussion on advanced process modeling concepts
Insights into real-world model usage and different stakeholder perspectives

Group Work:
Two sessions dedicated to creating a conceptual model for InnoTrial’s processes and its collaboration with CuraMedica

Learning Goals:
Develop proficiency in using SPM for conceptual modeling
Begin working meaningfully on the case study
Create models addressing different stakeholder requirements

Discussion on BPMN Models

Content:
Presentation of a blueprint solution by the lecturer(s)
Review and discussion of student-submitted process models
Collaborative debate and defense of modeling decisions

Learning Goals:
Present and explain individual process models
Engage in discussions to refine modeling approaches
Critically assess and improve modeling techniques

Introduction to Process Mining

Content:
Overview of Process Mining fundamentals based on van der Aalst & Carmona (2022)
Explanation of digital trace data and its origin
Description of Process Mining phases:
Process Discovery
Conformance Checking
Data Preprocessing
Process Enhancement
Process Monitoring

Learning Goals:
Connect Process Mining with Data Science and Process Science
Understand the usability and origins of trace data
Describe different types of Process Mining activities

Current Topics in Process Mining

Content:
Coverage of contemporary topics in Process Mining, including research presented at BPM conferences
Discussion on Workarounds in business processes (Bartelheimer et al., 2023)
Overview of potential applications of Artificial Intelligence in Process Mining
Future directions in Process Mining

Learning Goals:
Discuss current research and trends in Process Mining
Anticipate future directions and innovations in the field

Introduction to Celonis

Content:
In-depth overview of the Celonis platform by a representative
Explanation of how digital trace data is analyzed to reveal process inefficiencies
Discussion on process optimization through Celonis

Learning Goals:
Explain the rationale behind using Celonis in Process Mining
Integrate process mining principles into case work

Introduction to Process Execution / Workflow Management

Content:
Examination of why not all processes are automated
Transformation of identified processes into workflow-compatible forms
Introduction to state-based modeling and workflow management system architectures
Use of the Workflow Management Coalition’s reference model as a blueprint

Helpful Pre-Knowledge:
Basics of Petri Nets (via videos)

Learning Goals:
Decide if a process is suitable for automation
Create workflow nets using BPMN or Petri Nets
Understand the architecture of workflow management systems
Explain key terms in workflow management

Introduction to Process Monitoring & Controlling

Content:
Focus on how to interpret monitoring results from tools like Celonis
Discussion on turning monitoring insights into actionable process improvements
Examination of potential impacts on socio-technical systems

Learning Goals:
Differentiate between process monitoring and controlling
Suggest actionable process changes based on monitoring data

Introduction to Camunda, 4x Case Work

Content:
Presentation of Camunda’s process and decision modeling tools by a representative
Detailed overview of Camunda’s BPMN and DMN compliant engines
Explanation of Camunda’s REST API integrations
Four group work sessions focused on refining and executing process models from the case study

Learning Goals:
Explain the rationale behind process automation with Camunda
Create and execute BPMN and DMN compliant process models

Discussion on Process Mining and Process Execution Solutions

Content:
Collaborative discussion on outcomes from process mining (Celonis) and process execution (Camunda) sessions
Reflection on translating process mining insights into automation strategies
Examination of practical challenges encountered during process execution

Learning Goals:
Evaluate the effectiveness of process mining insights in process automation
Discuss challenges and successes in implementing process workflows with Camunda

Applying the BPM Lifecycle in Practice

Content:
Presentation by a partner from viadee Unternehmensberatungs AG
Demonstration of how theoretical concepts are applied in real-world settings
Discussion of challenges and pitfalls encountered with real-life data and process management

Learning Goals:
Reflect on discrepancies between theoretical models and practical application

Introduction to Robotic Process Automation

Content:
Definition of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and differentiation from traditional process automation (Syed et al., 2020)
Connection of RPA with previously learned concepts in process modeling, mining, and execution
Overview of RPA components (bots, control systems, and RPA analytics)
Discussion on types of bots: attended, unattended, and cognitive
Examination of benefits (cost savings, efficiency, accuracy) versus challenges (setup costs, maintenance, job displacement, ethical issues)
Brief look into the integration of RPA with AI technologies (machine learning, NLP) and trends like hyper-automation (Jiménez-Ramírez, 2021)

Learning Goals:
Articulate the definition and benefits of RPA
Integrate RPA into existing process management frameworks
Evaluate RPA use cases and identify implementation challenges
Discuss ethical and social impacts of RPA

Introduction to UIPath, 2x Case Work

Content:
Presentation of the UIPath Automation Platform by a representative
Overview of UIPath’s components: Studio (low-code environment), Orchestrator (deployment and monitoring), and built-in OCR with AI-driven computer vision
Application of UIPath concepts in group work sessions to automate a segment of the case study

Learning Goals:
Explain the basic concepts behind UIPath
Apply UIPath to develop and deploy a bot for the case study

Discussion of RPA Solutions

Content:
Collaborative discussion on RPA solutions implemented using UIPath
Review of challenges and best practices encountered during bot development and deployment
Evaluation of integration strategies for combining RPA with other process optimization tools

Learning Goals:
Critically assess the effectiveness of RPA solutions
Discuss integration strategies for broader process optimization
Identify potential improvements in RPA deployment

Course ReCap and Q&A

Content:
Summary of the key premises and integrated content from the course
Overview of the exam format (likely essay-oriented) and exam preparation strategies
Open session for questions and answers

Learning Goals:
Gain an overarching understanding of the BPM lifecycle and course content
Prepare for the exam expectations

References

Bartelheimer, C., Wolf, V., & Beverungen, D. (2023). Workarounds as generative mechanisms for bottom-up process innovation—Insights from a multiple case study. Information Systems Journal, 33(5), 1085–1150. DOI
Dumas, M., La Rosa, M., Mendling, J., & Reijers, H. A. (2018). Fundamentals of Business Process Management. Springer Berlin Heidelberg. DOI
Jiménez-Ramírez, A. (2021). Humans, Processes and Robots: A Journey to Hyperautomation. Business Process Management: Blockchain and Robotic Process Automation Forum, 428, 3–6. DOI
Marrella, A., Resinas, M., Jans, M., & Rosemann, M. (2024a). Business Process Management (Vol. 14940). Springer Nature Switzerland. DOI
Marrella, A., Resinas, M., Jans, M., & Rosemann, M. (2024b). Business Process Management Forum (Vol. 526). Springer Nature Switzerland. DOI
Nousias, N., Tsakalidis, G., & Vergidis, K. (2024). Not yet another BPM lifecycle: A synthesis of existing approaches using BPMN. Information and Software Technology, 171, 107471. DOI
OMG. (2024, December 17). About the Business Process Model and Notation Specification Version 2.0.2. OMG Spec
Rosemann, M., & vom Brocke, J. The Six Core Elements of Business Process Management. DOI
Stachowiak, H. (1973). Allgemeine Modelltheorie. Springer-Verlag.
Syed, R., Suriadi, S., Adams, M., Bandara, W., Leemans, S. J., Ouyang, C., Hofstede, A. H. ter, van de Weerd, I., Wynn, M. T., & Reijers, H. A. (2020). Robotic Process Automation: Contemporary themes and challenges. Computers in Industry, 115, 103162. DOI
van der Aalst, W. M. P., & Carmona, J. (2022). Process Mining Handbook (Vol. 448). Springer International Publishing. DOI
vom Brocke, J., & Rosemann, M. (2015). Handbook on Business Process Management 1. Springer Berlin Heidelberg. DOI

Process Engineering – MScIS University of Münster, Germany