Exploring the modeling of declarative processes using a hybrid approach

Process modeling aims at providing an external representation of a business process in the shape of a process model. The complexity of the modeling language, the usability of the modeling tool, and the expertise of the modeler are among the key factors defining the difficulty of a modeling task. Following a qualitative analysis approach, this work explores a hybrid modeling technique enhanced with a tool (i.e., the Highlighter) to guide the transition from informal text-based process descriptions to formal declarative process models. The exploratory results suggest that this technique provides cognitive support to modelers and hint towards an enhanced quality of process models in terms of alignment, traceability of process requirements and availability of documentation. The outcome of this work shows a clear opportunity for future work and provides a framework for further empirical studies.