“Modeling with tools is easier, believe me”—The effects of tool functionality on modeling grammar usage beliefs

Increasingly, studies are reported that examine how conceptual modeling is conducted in practice. Yet, typically the studies to date have examined in isolation how modeling grammars can be, or are, used to develop models of information systems or organizational processes, without considering that such modeling is typically done by means of a modeling tool that extends the modeling functionality offered by a grammar through complementary features. This paper extends the literature by examining how the use of seven different features of modeling tools affects usage beliefs users develop when using modeling grammars for process modeling. We show that five distinct tool features positively affect usefulness, ease of use and satisfaction beliefs of users. We offer a number of interpretations about the findings. We also describe how the results inform decisions of relevance to developers of modeling tools as well as managers in charge for making modeling-related investment decisions.

► We examine modeling tool functionality offered by process modeling tools.
► We show how tool functionality impacts beliefs about process modeling grammars.
► We identify important criteria for modeling tool investment decisions.
► We identify important implications for managing process modeling environments.
► We derive principles for modeling tool use in process modeling projects.