Task: Capture a Common Business Glossary
This task describes how to define the common set of business terms that need to be used consistently on the project.
Purpose

To define a common vocabulary that can be used in all textual descriptions of the business, especially in descriptions of business documents, including use cases and business process diagrams.

Relationships
RolesPrimary: Additional: Assisting:
InputsMandatory:
  • None
Optional: External:
  • None
Outputs
Steps
Find Common Terms

In business process sketching you must define a common vocabulary using the most common terms and expressions in the problem domain. You must then consistently use the common vocabulary in all textual descriptions of the business. In this way, you keep the textual descriptions consistent and avoid misunderstandings among project members about the use and meaning of terms. Document the vocabulary in a glossary.

To find common terms in the problem domain, consider terms used when talking about what the business is about. Focus on terms describing the following concepts:

  • Business objects representing concepts used in the organization's daily work. In many cases, a list of concepts of this kind already exists.
  • Real-world objects that the business needs to be aware of. These objects occur naturally, and include such things as: car, dog, bottle, aircraft, passenger, reservation, or invoice.

Each term is typically described as a noun, with a definition. Terms must be in the singular, "order" and "task", not "orders" and "tasks". All interested parties must agree on definitions for the terms.

Evaluate Your Results
You must check the glossary at this stage to verify that your work is headed in the right direction. There is no need to review it in detail.
Properties
Multiple Occurrences
Event Driven
Ongoing
Optional
Planned
Repeatable