Modeling the standard compliant software processes in the university environment

PurposeOne way to improve the quality of business and software processes is to make them compliant with standard. This paper seeks to explore the suitability of the BPMN and the teaching method for process modeling, which uses SEI CMMI‐SW standard as input and produces software process models as output.Design/methodology/approachThe research approach consists of two parts. First, the students' responses during practical lectures of process modeling were gathered and studied. Then, the teaching process was modified and students' responses were studied again. The second part involves the survey about students' attitude towards BPMN usability and ease of use.FindingsThere are two key findings of the study. First, using the SEI CMMI‐SW standard in early phases of software process modeling is not very effective, because it overloads the students with abstract requirements, which are included in the standard. The more effective way is to use the standard in later phases of process modeling, in the phase of assessment and improvement of the process model. The second key finding is that there is a positive attitude among students towards BPMN usage for process modeling.Research limitations/implicationsThere is no evidence that this teaching approach can be generalized beyond the population of information science students and academic environment.Practical implicationsThe improved teaching method for business and software process modeling can be used in similar environments (practical lectures of process modeling). Although there is no evidence, quality managers from organizations can also benefit from the lesson learned and avoid a less suitable process‐modeling approach.Originality/valueThe paper is useful to all roles in education and businesses, who deal with process models and standards (teachers, business and software analysts, quality managers, process designers).