A Case for Declarative Process Modelling: Agile Development of a Grant Application System

We present a new declarative model with composition and hierarchical definition of processes, featuring (a) incremental refinement, (b) adaptation of processes, and (c) dynamic creation of sub-processes. The approach is motivated and exemplified by a recent case management solution delivered by our industry partner Exformatics A/S. The approach is achieved by extending the Dynamic Condition Response (DCR) graph model with interfaces and composition along those interfaces. Both refinement and sub-processes are then constructed in terms of that composition. Sub-processes take the form of hierarchical (complex) events, which dynamically instantiate sub-processes. The extensions are realised and supported by a prototype simulation tool.