Structural Complexity Analysis of Information Systems Based on Petri Nets

Aim To present a quantitative method for structural complexity analysis and evaluation of information systems. Methods Based on Petri net modeling and analysis techniques and with the aid of mathematical tools in general net theory(GNT); a quantitative method for structure description and analysis of information systems was introduced. Results The structural complexity index and two related factors; i.e. element complexity factor and connection complexity factor were defined; and the relations between them and the parameters of the Petri net based model of the system were derived. Application example was presented. Conclusion The proposed method provides a theoretical basis for quantitative analysis and evaluation of the structural complexity and can be applied in the general planning and design processes of the information systems.