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University of California, Davis

Application Development Methodology

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Development Technique Concepts

Activity

A business action or series of actions whose goal is the attainment of a business goal. An activity may be a function, process or procedure.

Two types of business activities are recognized in the methodology -- functions and processes. Analysis of business functions and processes is concerned with understanding what needs to be done in an enterprise or what activities must be accomplished. It is not concerned with how these activities take place, as expressed by the technology used or the persons currently responsible.

Functions and Processes Have Common Characteristics

Despite their similarities, it is useful to distinguish between functions and processes.

Inputs

The inputs to an activity may be tangible objects (e.g., materials and resources), information, or a mixture of the two. Sometimes the information describes the tangible objects (e.g., a delivery note describes the items delivered).

Work

Work is performed on inputs in order to produce the outputs. For example:

* Metal blank turned on a lathe to produce a candlestick

* Orders processed to produce a delivery schedule

Outputs

The outputs from an activity are also tangible objects, information, or a mixture of both. As with inputs, output information may describe material output.