Integration of causal models, business process models and dimensional reports for enhancing problem solving

Abstract

This invention combines the modeling capabilities of causal models, business process models, and dimensional reporting to allow the locating of root causes of problems. The causal models let the user explore the effects of other parts of the system have on the process in question through accessing dimensional reports. By recording and annotating the problem solving flow, and deriving characteristics of the problem solved, future users can be assisted in other problem solving sessions. Ad-hoc reports created to aid in the problem solving can be attached in the causal model and process model for future use.

I claim:  
     
         1 . a method for the integration of causal models, business process models (activity and Petri-net), and OLAP reports.  
     
     
         2 . a method for user navigation using the above models to determine root causes of observed behaviors.  
     
     
         3 . a method for maintaining causal models that specialize to particular dimension levels and/or members.  
     
     
         4 . a method for collecting and categorizing users problem solving flow in using system for above navigation.  
     
     
         5 . a method for determining advice on problem solving by a user of above system based on prior problem solving sessions.  
     
     
         6 . a method for displaying relevant problem solving advice based on prior problem solving.  
     
     
         7 . a method for identifying levers of action for the user and recording proposed actions on them.  
     
     
         8 . a method for propagating causal influence from the levers to other areas of the modeled system for monitoring the effects there.