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UML Stereotypes in Activity Diagrams

publish date: 2026/06/08 03:53:22.149711 UTC

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In UML activity diagrams used as process models, some activities are shown inside boxes labeled with text like «system» followed by a system name (e.g., «system» Mentcare). What is the purpose of this notation?

It uses the UML stereotype feature to identify which separate system supports or carries out that subprocess

It means the activity is performed by a human actor, not a computer system

It marks the activity as a high-priority step in the process

It indicates that the activity is optional and can be skipped

Correct Answer

It uses the UML stereotype feature to identify which separate system supports or carries out that subprocess

Explanation

The «system» stereotype notation (text between guillemets/chevrons) in UML is used to identify the type of entity — in this case, a separate software system. In process models shown as activity diagrams, this notation shows which specific system (e.g., Mentcare or the Admissions system) is used to support each subprocess. This extends context models by showing exactly where each system is used within the process.

Reference

Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 9th edition

Quizzes you can take where this question appears

Context Models