Title: A novel method for calculating time intervals between sequential activities in event logs

Authors: Seyed Hossein Siadat; Hamed Rouhani

Addresses: Department of Operation Management and Information Technology, Faculty of Management, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran ' Department of Operation Management and Information Technology, Faculty of Management, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract: Business processes generate a significant amount of data that needs to be communicated and transferred efficiently. One method to analyse this data involves the use of event logs, which document the time interval between two consecutive activities within a process. This time interval can expose potential issues and opportunities for improvement within the process. Various techniques, including machine learning, process mining, and mathematical algorithms, have been employed to analyse these time intervals. This paper introduces a conceptual model designed to evaluate the time interval between consecutive activities in business processes. This model aids in comparing and managing these time intervals, thereby optimising the utilisation of organisational resources. It is important to note that this research is solely focused on the time index and does not take into account other performance indicators of the process. The initial implementation of this model reveals the trend of the time interval between two consecutive activities.

Keywords: machine learning; business process management; BPM; statistical process control; SPC; event log; process mining.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSOM.2026.155440

International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 2026 Vol.54 No.3, pp.313 - 331

Received: 24 Feb 2024
Accepted: 19 Apr 2024
Published online: 03 Aug 2026 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article