A preliminary conceptual structure for Computer-based Process Maturity Models, using a Cone-Based Conceptual Network and NIAM diagrams

Abstract

Process maturity models support audit and assessment missions (AAMs) focusing on organizational routines. Under Traditional Process Maturity Models (TP2Ms), auditors use document-based surveys whereas organizations produce data in their daily activities employing Information Technologies (IT). Therefore, how to bridge the gap between IT capabilities and AAMs? One answer could be to design a Trace-Based System (TBS) capturing raw data of the daily activity and transmuting it into transformed traces from which it can be possible to automatically reconstruct processes and evaluate their maturity. Despite its obvious practical value, this processing is not so easy. A first phase must be realized, which consists of modeling the conceptual structure of current TP2Ms and of future possible Computer-based Process Maturity Models (CP2Ms) based on TBSs. To achieve this goal, this paper proposes a Cone-Based Conceptual Network (CBCN) to give the big picture of TP2Ms' and CP2Ms' scopes, then it proposes to model this CBCN with the use of Nijssen Information Analysis Method (NIAM) and to verify the semantic consistency of this preliminary conceptual structure. The result is a first step (at an early stage) of the development of computer-based (or trace-based) process maturity assessment tools. It allows auditors and IT specialists to have a big picture of the domain of interest and to map the different knowledge areas they need to acquire and combine to perform AAMs.