IDEF Worksheet Questions

First Name: Joshep

Last Name: Paulus
Email:
Title of Position: In charge of STIP project in Hampton Roads District MPO

The purpose of this document is to describe what parameters we need from you about
each of your activities and/or roles that go into the STIP/SYIP integration. Please complete one
of these forms for each of your activities and/or roles.

Each row on the worksheet represents a new IDEF0 (Integrated Definition for Function
Modeling) activity. IDEF0 is the technique that breaks down the activities or functions of the
organization or system into its component parts. It is a graphical language that assists in
identifying the functions that are performed, the various elements needed to perform those
functions, and what is efficient and inefficient about the system under study. (i.e. What are the
roles you have in generating the STIP?) For more information on IDEF, please go to
www.idef.org.

Controls

Activity or
Inputs Function Outputs

Mechanisms
Figure 1: IDEF0 Description - Description of IDEF0 Format of Mapping

The columns contain the IDEF0 standards as well as supplementary material. Figure 1
shows how the IDEF0 standards fit into the AllFusion Process Modeler.

Field 1: Name of Activity – Name for activity or function.

Select projects for CMAQ and the regional STP that are allocated to the MPO
Selection process for those two programs
There’s never enough money in one year to do all the allocations

Field 2: Inputs – Something consumed or modified in the process. (i.e. schedules, costs, drafts)
CMAQ – emissions benefits – which projects that receive CMAQ funding are the ones
that have the most emission reductions
 RSTP – different set of rating criteria depending on the project (depending if transit
project, or highway project)
Requests are evaluated on those individual groups (details are on hrpdc website:
www.hrpdc.org)

Field 3: Controls – A constraint on the operation of the process. Represents the objects that
govern the manner in which inputs are transformed yet are not themselves transformed
by the activity. Consists of legislation, regulations, and policies related to the system.
(i.e. codes, restrictions)

Money is the main constraint

Timeliness of getting things implemented (a project that has funds five or six years ago
hasn’t done anything yet)
The state controls the implementation program – MPO do not have that much control
over it
Some MPOs work in conjunction with the cities, but the highway and interstate have
complete autonomy
All they can do is ask, not that much control

Field 4: Mechanisms – Something used to perform the process, but is not itself consumed. The
elements that accomplish the actions of the process, such as people, manual or
automated tools, established procedures for holding hearings, etc. (i.e. software
applications, email exchange, etc.)

Cut and paste from VDOT’s documents

Last several years there’s been an electronic database that allows for easier editing
One database (six-year program database) is what they’re trying to do – but this isn’t
completely successful yet, since some TIPs are not in the VDOT database
STIPs are a compilation of different metropolitan TIPs supplemented with non-
metropolitan program
For example, the database is not showing any transit information
Last year, they couldn’t make any revisions to the data file; they had to work with pdf
files instead of working with an interactive database
All the MPOs are having this problem
They don’t see a point in having a single format – the goal is to have a TIP document
into a STIP; no point in having everything in one format (90% from SYP goes into
STIP)

Field 5: Outputs – Something resulting from the process. Shows what an activity produces or
creates.

Their portion of the STIP that allows the localities to get their project implemented
Field 6: Objective – The goal of the function or activity.

Get the projects done!

Field 7: BPwin Diagrams – Link to the activity in BPwin format.

Field 8: Title of Responsible Person(s) – Person(s) in charge of the function or activity.

Field 9: Key Decisions – Possible choices for the outcome of the activity or function.

Field 10: Duration – Time/length of the activity.

Field 11: Transcripts/Interviews – Link to a document that shows an outline description of the
activity, interview, or a memo on the activity.

Field 12: External Links – Links to sites outside the CRMES website that are pertinent to the
activity.

Field 13: Diagrams/Models – Diagram showing detail of the activity.

Field 14: Reviews – Notes or reports available on the activity.

Field 15: Potential Recommendation – Any recommendations on how to improve the activity.

Field 16: Miscellaneous – Any other information available on the activity that did not fit into the
fields above.

Please contact Professor Lambert with any further questions.

Email: Lambert@virginia.edu
Office phone: 434-982-2072
Office Assistant phone: 434-924-0960