Modelling is now an integral part of business and surely the mainspring of business cybernetics.
Any book concerned with business value using such systems must have a ready readership. Those who are at the cutting edge of business operations have already begun to realise the need to build models of their business operations. To many this is a new field and Bridgeland and Zahavi needed to address modelling in both a precise as well as introductory way. At the best of times building models can be a complex process and analysing and information gained from them a particularly difficult process and one that requires experience and a good knowledge of what is a discipline in its own right.
This is a book that sets out to assist the readers to become aware of the main characteristics of modelling. We are told that they embrace an understanding of the process itself, motivation, organisation and rules. It provides a sound introduction which helps those with little knowledge of the subject to understand some of the basics. It concentrates on the realisation of getting business value by detailing some of the state‐of‐the‐art methods of building business models and pointing out the difficulties that are usually encountered. The authors also cover in some detail standards in business modelling disciplines as well as dealing with their analysis.
It is very much a practical guide as its sub‐title infers so it has plenty of case studies to illustrate the text. They cover the whole development of the disciplines that are described. The book also makes the important point that all the individuals involved should see modelling as a whole integrated process that will include managers, engineers, analysts and all who are responsible for the success of the business.
The book is essentially introductory and provides an excellent practical reference guide to all who are now embracing modelling in their business ventures and wish to benefit from their endeavours.
