umluse-caserequirementsscenariosuse-case-diagram

How do I depict this situation in a use-case diagram?


Consider a scenario as such:
A university ABC allocates 2 lecturers to a course (a main lecturer and a substitute lecturer). The job of the substitute lecturer is to conduct lectures whenever the main lecturer cannot attend. Thus, both lecturers need not be present at the same time to conduct a lecture.

How do I show that either the main lecturer or the substitute lecturer offers lectures at a time?

What I drew :
Image

However, the idea depicted in the scenario isn't consistent here because, at the same time it is possible for both lecturers to offer the lecture.
How do I correct this?


Solution

  • Whether you associate two distinct lecturers to the use-case or one lecturer with a multiplicity of 2 does not make a difference here. The UML specifications let the case with multiple actors completely unspecified:

    UML 2.5.1, page 640 (highlighting is mine):

    When a UseCase has an association to an Actor with a multiplicity that is greater than one at the Actor end, it means that more than one Actor instance is involved in the UseCase. The manner in which multiple Actors participate in the UseCase depends on the specific situation on hand and is not defined in this specification. For instance, a particular UseCase might require simultaneous (concurrent) action by two separate Actors (e.g., in launching a nuclear missile) or it might require complementary and successive actions by the Actors (e.g., one Actor starting something and the other one stopping it).

    Here some possible solutions to refine your model:

    Additional comments, not related to your issue: