Checking the Semantic Correctness of Process Models - An Ontology-driven Approach Using Domain Knowledge and Rules

Abstract

This paper presents an ontology-driven approach that aims at ensuring the semantic correctness of semiformal process models. Despite the widespread use of these models in research and practice, their semantic correctness is still a challenging issue. We suggest an ontology-driven approach making use of background knowledge encoded in formal ontologies and rules. In the first step, we develop a model for ontology-based representation of process models. In the second step, we use this model in conjunction with rules and machine reasoning for applying checks concerning the semantic correctness. We apply our approach using real-life administrative process models taken from a capital city.