In: J.-M. Colom, M. Koutny (Eds.), Newcastle upon Tyne, UK: Proc. of 22nd International Conf. on Applications and Theory of Petri Nets 2001 (ICATPN 2001), pages 32-52. Lecture Notes in Computer Science 2075, edited by G. Goos, J. Hartmanis and J. van Leuwen, Springer, June 2001.
Abstract: The behavioral-inheritance relations of [7,8] can be used to compare the life cycles of objects defined in terms of Petri nets. They yield partial orders on object life cycles (OLCs). Based on these orders, we define concepts such as the greatest common divisor and the least common multiple of a set of OLCs. These concepts have practical relevance: In component-based design, workflow management, ERP reference models, and electronic-trade procedures, there is a constant need for identifying commonalities and differences in OLCs. Our results provide the theoretical basis for comparing, customizing, and unifying OLCs.
Keywords: Petri nets, inheritance, lattices, partial orders, object-oriented methods, workflow management.