Task Decomposition

Task decomposition refers to the whole-part composition structure of a task model. At each level of the decomposition each task can heuristically be seen as having as parts those subtasks that represent steps describing the procedural content of the whole task.ent entities. The association relationship encapsulates this chunk of meaning that extends beyond the boundaries of the individual entities.

In object-technology, extensive decomposition structures are viewed with skepticism. This is because of many well-documented studies showing how arbitrary and difficult to maintain were the procedural decompositions of structured analysis and design.

When a use case model reflects the users' domain it, too, can be extensive in extent. Care must be taken to match the depth and breadth of this decomposition to reflect the work and goals of the users and their organizations.

Example: An Order Clerk performs the task, Take an Order. Take an Order consists of—that is, decomposes to—the subtasks Determine Order Items, Specify Shipping Information, Specify Billing Information, and Finalize Order.

Last Modified January 2003. Send your comments?

©2002, 2003 John M. Artim