Validating Business Requirements Using MAS Analysis Models

This paper presents a method aimed to assist an engineer in transforming agent roles models to a process model, compliant with the XML Process Definition Language (XPDL) portable standard. This method bridges the gap between software engineers and the business world by allowing a Multi-Agent System (MAS) analysis model, such as the Gaia or ASEME Methodologies role models, to be represented as a business process model. Thus, on one hand, the software engineer can employ available tools to validate specific properties of the modeled system even before its final implementation, and, on the other hand, a business partner has greater potential to comprehend the system being modeled. The method includes a tool for aiding the engineer in the transformation process. This tool uses a recursive algorithm for automating the transformation process and guides the user to dynamically integrate two or more agent roles in a process model with multiple pools. The tool usage is demonstrated through a running example, based on a real world project. Simulations of the defined agent roles can be used to a) validate the system requirements and b) determine how it could scale. This way, developers and managers can configure processes' parameters and identify and resolve risks early in their project.