Process modelling for online communications in tendering processes

Nowadays, managers need to collaborate and interact with third parties in order to make critical technical and business decisions and improve organisational processes. Tendering is a complex decision process that involves extensive integration and collaboration between three parties: clients, consultants and contractors. Tendering processes can be analysed and documented in a consistent and uniform manner using process modeling techniques. A tool, called process modeling for online communication system (PMOCS), combines an executable communication process model with a Web-based decision support system to encourage active participation, support interaction and facilitate communication in tendering processes. The ability of all parties to collaborate and participate in the decision process not only adds transparency and improves the quality of the decisions taken, but it also, over time, contributes to better and stronger relationships between them. The successful application of PMOCS technology presents a new approach to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of managing tendering processes. © 2003 IEEE.