Preparing Graphical Representations of Business Processes and Making Inferences from Them

ABSTRACT: In this case, students (1) listen to (or read a transcript of) conversations among managers of a convenience store company about current and contemplated supply chain processes, (2) prepare a system flowchart and a business process diagram (BPD) to represent the processes, and (3) use these graphical representations to make inferences about system effectiveness. The case contrasts the emerging practice of business process modeling with the more traditional practice of system flowcharting. Instructors can use the case to help students develop advanced skills in documenting business processes and to assess their ability to represent business processes and make inferences about process effectiveness. The case is appropriate for accounting information systems and business courses in which business process modeling skills are developed or applied. Students should have a general knowledge of sales, order entry, and purchasing processes and be able to prepare simple flowcharts and BPDs.