Building Business Capability Model in Sparx

[Deepak Mohan]

Hi,

I am a new user of Sparx.  I'm trying to build a business capability model in spark.  I have three levels of capabilities which I am modeling.  The idea is to show level 1 capabilities at start page and the user should have the ability to click on each to take them to the next level.  After a bit of a read about it on this forum, I have used Class objects (and classes within class) to build this.  However, when I click the level 1 capability nothing happens.

I tried to use the composite element as well but it did not work.  I am sure I'm missing something quite obvious here, but do not know what.  Can any one help please?  My trial license is running out fast and I need to be confident that I can use this tool for Business Architecture before buying it!

Thanks

[PeterHeintz]

Not sure if I understand you right what you are modelling.
Assuming you have a diagram containing classes representing somehow your business capabilities and e.g. for each level 1 class a level 2 diagram containing related level 2 business capability classes. So you could just add a diagram link nearby the level 1 class to the level 2 diagram.

However this is not real modeling but more diagram navigation. Modelling would be more assigning level 2 classes to a level 1 class e.g. by a composite relationship.

Anyhow without understanding what you want to achieve with your business capability model, it is quiet hard to help.

[Paolo F Cantoni]

Hi Deepak,

You are on the right path with the composite diagram.  With the proviso that you do what Peter has said about the model.

Firstly (and sorry if I'm "teaching Grandma to suck eggs"),  you need to establish the relationships between the capabilities within the model.  We are  also creating Capability Models and and use shared aggregation to link an aggregate Capability to its members.

Once you have the model correct, then you need to create the navigation as you've said.

As you suggest, you need to:
1) create  the diagram nested under the holonym capability (the higher level one).
2) Confirm that the link indicator (the little chain links in the bottom right of the element) has appeared on the capability in the higher level diagram and that double clicking the element in the higher level diagram will open the composite diagram.
3) Place the higher level capability  in its own composite diagram (you'll see why next)
4) Use the Insert Related Elements (context menu) diagram feature to place the member elements on the diagram.  That way, as Peter says, you are using the model to populate the diagram.
5) You can now remove the holonym from its composite diagram - if you wish.  We leave ours in.
6) Repeat - as you descend the levels.

You should then be able to navigate using the elements.  Tip: include the higher level capability to the one you are exposing so that you can navigate both up and down the hierarchy.  For the top level capabilities, place a diagram hyperlink to the top level diagram.

You can do exactly what you want (at least as I understand it) with Sparx.

HTH,
Paolo