Towards a Theory of Conceptual Modelling
Transcription
Towards a Theory of Conceptual Modelling
Towards a Theory of Conceptual Modelling ETheCoM 2009, invited talk Nov. 09, 2009 Bernhard Thalheim Dr. rer.nat.habil. Prof. @ Christian Albrechts University at Kiel, Germany Department of Computer Science Information Systems Engineering Group (∗) Kolmogorov Professor h.c. @ Lomonossov University Moscov, Russia Today: Information systems development is Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim • development in the large taught almost nowhere • however everybody likes his/her languages and his/her understanding - typically incompatible with everybody else • might be based on database components and pattern of schemata ¨ ¥ Our Background § ¦ • schema library consisting of more than 10.000 applications largest with 95.000 types • used for learning experiences from developers • evolution, change, re-engineering of most applications at least after 6 month of existence • migration, integration and collaboration projects Why this talk? ¨ ¥ Is there any theory or technology of conceptual modelling? § ¦ Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Garcia-Molina, Ullman, Widom: ER/relational/other data models, information integration Hoberman: elements (entity, data elements, relationships), definition, subject area, logical model, physical model, best approach, validate Mannila, Räihä: ER/relational/other data models, design principles, constraints, properties of relational schemas, mappings, transformations Olivé: elements (entity types, relationship types, constraints, special relationship types), reification, generic relationship types, derived types, taxonomies, domain events, action request events, UML diagrams, metamodeling, MOF Simsion: overview (what is modeling, normalisation, ER, subtypes/supertypes), advanced data modeling (constraints, normalisation, identity, attributes, time dimension, business rules, corporate data modelling Large and Complex Schemata: MDA CIDOC Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Large and Complex Schemata: MDA CIDOC Class Hierarchy Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Large and Complex Schemata: Starting with “Simple” Schema and Evolving Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Large and Complex Schemata: Evolved and Problematic Schema Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Seven Myths of Formal Methods ¨ ¥ Anthony Hall § ¦ Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim (1) Formal methods can guarantee that software is perfect. (2) Formal methods are all about program proving. Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content (3) Formal methods are only useful for safety-critical systems. (4) Formal methods require highly trained mathematicians. (5) Formal methods increase the cost of development. (6) Formal methods are unacceptable to users. Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim (7) Formal methods are not used on real, large scale software. Seven + Seven Myths of Formal Methods Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern ¨ ¥ Dines Bjørner § ¦ (8) Formal Methods delay the development process. (9) Formal Methods are not supported by tools. (10) Formal Methods mean forsaking traditional engineering design methods. (11) Formal Methods only apply to software. (12) Formal Methods are not required. Content Information Concept (13) Formal Methods are not supported. Topic c °B. Thalheim (14) Formal Methods people always use Formal Methods. Myths of Modelling (1) Modelling equals documentation Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim (2) You can think everything through from the start (3) Modelling implies a heavyweight software process (4) You must “freeze” requirements Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim (5) Your design is carved in stone (6) You must use a CASE tool (7) Modelling is a waste of time (8) The world revolves around data modelling (9) All developers know how to model (10) Modelling is independent on the language ¥ ¨ Let’s discuss the last point in detail § ¦ Wrong or Inappropriate Language: Traffic Control based on Petri Nets Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Simple but classical solution Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Picture becomes more complex if time control is incorporated N/S red W/E green : Time for switch Y ¾ N/S green ¼ : y s z j 9 Time for wait ª j W/E red Wrong or Inappropriate Language: Look at Reality • Situation in reality Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim • Neighbourhood street crossing must be considered • Complex time management Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim • Different kinds of traffic: pedestrians, tram, bus Wrong or Inappropriate Language: Traffic Control based on Petri Nets Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Wrong or Inappropriate Language: Traffic Control based on State Charts instead on Petri Nets Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Local-as-View Modelling: Traffic Control based on ASM and Conceptual Modelling Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Global states: NSredEWgreen, NSredEWred, NSgreenEWred optionally: NSredEWred, NSnothingEWnothing avoiding conflict states such as NSgreenEWgreen Abstract state machine rules: Controller location state clock reset switch e ... ... ... ... ... if Switch(e) then Update(e,collocated(e)); ChangeSwitch(e) ChangeAction := getState; choosePossibleStateChange(state); apply(possibleStateChange(state)) AlarmAction := on alarm changeStateToErrorState Clock := on tick observeWhetherChangeRequired NormalAction := if change = true then ChangeAction PedestrianCall := on callAtPoint(cp) ChangeNextStepIssuedAt(cp) Local-as-view Modelling: Traffic Control based on ASM and Conceptual Modelling Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Global states: NSredEWgreen, NSredEWred, NSgreenEWred Abstract state machine rules Database as the backend machine State Kind ¾ KindOf State - Global LightState ¾ ¾ State Change Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim State Change Kind 6 Timer Schedule Strategy ¾ NextStepIssuedAt Request Change Request L - Pedestrian CallPoint Content Information - ∗ local-as-view: πEW (GlobalLightState) for EW direction Formalisation: Ten Commandments ¨ ¥ Jonathan P. Bowen & Michael G. Hinchey § ¦ Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) Thou Thou Thou Thou Thou Thou Thou Thou Thou Thou shalt shalt shalt shalt shalt shalt shalt shalt shalt shalt choose an appropriate notation. formalise but not overformalise. estimate costs. have a formal methods guru on call. not abandon thy traditional development methods. document sufficiently. not compromise thy quality standards. not be dogmatic. test, test, and test again. reuse. Another three? (1) Thou shall meet intentions of developers, ... (2) Thou shall provide a usable notation, i.e. for verification, validation, explanation, elaboration, and evolution. (3) Thou shall be robust against misinterpretation, errors, ... Formalisation: Kinds and Needs Formal development: a software development which uses one or more formal techniques and it may then use these in a spectrum. Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Formal software Development: a software development in which specifications are expressed in a language with a formal syntax so that all specifications can be judged wellformed or not, with a formal semantics so that all well-formed specifications have a precise meaning, and a (relatively complete) proof system such that one may be able to reason over properties of specifications or steps of formally specified developments from a more abstract to a more concrete step. Additionally a formal technique may be a calculus which allows developers to calculate, to refine “next”, formally specified development steps from a preceding, formally specified step. Systematic (formal) development: a software development which formally specifies whenever something is specified, but which does not (at least only at most in a minor of cases) reason formally over steps of development. Rigorous (formal) development: a software development which formally specifies whenever something is specified, and which formally express (some, if not all) properties that ought be expressed, but which does not (at least only at most in a minor number of cases) reason formally over steps of development, that is, verify these to hold, either by theorem proving, or by model checking, or by formally based tests. Formal (formal) development: a software development which formally specifies whenever something is specified, which formally expresses (most, if not all) properties that ought be expressed, and which formally verifies these to hold, either by theorem proving, or by model checking, or by formally based tests. Main Dimensions of Conceptual Modelling Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim (1) Modelling language constructs are applied during conceptual modelling. Their syntactics, semantics and pragmatics must be well understood. ¨ ¥ 30% coverage in most modelling methodologies because of “iron” selection § ¦ (2) Application domain gathering allows to understand the problems to be solved, the opportunities of solutions for a system, and the requirements and architecture that might be prescribed for the solution that has been chosen. ¨ ¥ 60 % coverage in most modelling methodologies because of pressure, ... § ¦ (3) Engineering is oriented towards encapsulation of experiences with design problems pared down to a manageable scale. ¨ ¥ 10 % coverage in most modelling methodologies because ???? § ¦ Application Domain Dimension ¨ ¥ Everybody develops his/her schema, his/her implementation § ¦ Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Application domain development based on “fly by” • mostly by domain workers without IS insight • scope of current (and not future) interest • point of view of subject (subject-oriented) • tolerance level of users Flat schemata based on • binarisation, • without views, and • without internal computational support Near-sighted reflection of ongoing demand • data needed for analysis but not at the right granularity, precision • data cleansing is of less importance • “my-data-is-my-personal choice” The Neglected Dimension: Engineering Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim ¨ ingenerare, “to create” § ¥ and/or “to contrive” ¦ Sufficient quality instead of optimal quality defined on the purpose e.g. integrity constraints that are really necessary Living with errors as long as users can live with them, living with enforcement and fetching modifications in time Living with deficiencies of technology, e.g. missing support for full storage (sliding window techniques) Providing forgetful data handling with automatic background archiving or deletion or distribution User-demand driven query answering, search drill-down, eager/lazy enforcement, data granularity, variety of views depending on task/profile/role under consideration Engineering ¨ ingenerare, “to create” § Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim and/or ¥ “to contrive” ¦ application of science to the optimum conversion of the resources of nature to the uses of humankind creative application of “scientific principles to design or develop structures, machines, apparatus, or manufacturing processes, or works utilizing them singly or in combination; or to construct or operate the same with full cognizance of their design; or to forecast their behaviour under specific operating conditions; all as respects an intended function, economics of operation and safety to life and property” manufacture or assembly of engines, machine tools, and machine parts engineering: military - civil - mechanical - chemical - industrial great body of special knowledge involves extensive training in the application of that knowledge standards of engineering practice functions: (scientist; to know verified, systematized knowledge of the physical world), (engineer; to do and bring knowledge to bear on practical problems) engineer is not free to select the problem that interests him, solves problems as they arise solution must satisfy conflicting requirements (technical, technological, economical, ..., social) types of resources: materials, information and energy Treatment of errors ¨ ¥ be aware and develop mechanisms § ¦ Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Systemic errors e.g. based on data exploration, data re-usage, data merging, falsifications, biases, wrong models Systematic errors e.g. due to abstractions, restrictions in accessible data, dirty data, approximations, computations Stochastic errors e.g. based on assumptions for occurrence of errors, their distribution functions and their contribution within the model and to the variables Handling by error prevention with direct correction, duplicate extraction and elaboration, validation, and verification (probabilistic) error models with maximal error, error spreading and multiplication, confidence intervals, means, outlier detection, time series abstractions error cleansing algorithms with(out) data recovery Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Development Dimensions of Conceptual Modelling Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim (0,n) (0,n) (0,1) Aspect Partner Introduction performs Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern restricted to (0,n) (0,1) Activity based on (0,1) Resource (0,1) uses creates/revises (0,1) Work product Content (0,n) Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim (0,n) ¨ ¥ complexity # common misbelief in existence of a theory of CM § ¦ The Work Product Development Dimension Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim ¨ ¥ The main product is the model; it shall however used for realisation! § ¦ The work product depends on abstraction layer e.g. requirements, specification, realisation or implementation layer, depends on granularity and precision of the work product itself, depends on resources used for development such as the languages, depends on level of separation of concern such as static/dynamic properties, local/global scope, facets, depends on quality properties of the input , e.g. requirements, completeness, conciseness, coherence, understandability, depends on decomposition of the work products in ensembles of sub-products, and satisfies quality characteristics quality in use internal quality external quality The Creator/Actor Development Dimension ¨ Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim ¥ Everybody is different and thus modelling has different results § ¦ Attitude and preferences Ability to understand, to model, to reason, to survey, to communicate with others, to analyse, to construct systems, to validate or to verify or to test models, to use or develop documentations Master complexity, improvements, realisation Knowledge, skills, competency for representing world, for coping with representations Restricted expressivity due to restricted leads to preferring local reasoning Experience to cope with varieties of problem solutions through generic problem solving Referential solutions to be used for solution of similar problems together with refinement of the given approach The Activity Development Dimension ¨ ¥ The task is never complete: p´tamoi rh´ousi ‘the rivers flow’ § ¦ Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Scope insight for conscious handling of restriction, capabilities, opportunities; Guiding rules for convenience, for completion, refinement, and extension; Development plans for partial delivery of work products, partial usage and deployment; Theories supporting development of models; Quality characteristics for model completion, model evolution, model engineering Mappings styles for mapping among abstraction layers The Partner Development Dimension ¨ ¥ Models tend to be too large for a singleton person! § ¦ Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Roles during activities such as stakeholder, developer, consultant, supplier, contractor, documentation developers, or finally business user Collaboration partnership based on communication acts, cooperation business processes, and coordination agreements Teamwork during all activities with separation of different tasks; Historical people such as teachers, legacy (better heritage) developers, coders, ... Builders of their products based on the current solution Summarising: The Gaps of Conceptual Modelling Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern “Partial reality” Part of reality 6 Things of reality Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Observed property - Predicator “Topic” 6 Modelling decision Foundation of decisions 6 6 Usage of theory Content Information ¾ ? Modality Exactness ® 6 Revision during the development process “Schema” as result and partial point of view of a database development process Confidence Context 6 U acts within ? Modeler ¾ under usage ? Reference model Modelling Arts: working of plastic materials by hand to build up form Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Mathematics: method of scientific investigation of systems no necessity to construct an actual physical model of the system mathematical model: a description of the system in some algorithmic language divided into individual parts and the state of each part described by some system of parameters description of the relationships between the separate parts Cybernetic systems: self-improvement, self-teaching and self-development to model • to plan or form after a pattern or shape • to make into an organization (as an army, government, or parish) • to produce a representation or simulation to model a problem • to construct or fashion in imitation of a particular model General Principles and Properties of Modelling Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim ¨ ¥ (D, C, (R, ρ, θ, Ψ), G, W) § ¦ • things D under consideration • concepts C described in a language L • relationship R ⊆ D × C with • restrictions ρ to its applicability • modality θ or rigidity of the relationship • confidence Ψ in the relationship • agreed upon within a group G within a culture C • valid in a certain world W ¨ ¥ Principle of Abstraction § ¦ we may however ‘invent’ concepts (distortion) and ‘restrict’ the model (extension of properties) General Principles and Properties of Modelling Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern ¨ ¥ (D, C, (R, ρ, θ, Ψ), G, W) § ¦ mapping property: have an original, truncation property: the model lacks some of the ascriptions made to the original, pragmatic property: the model use is only justified for particular model users, tools of investigation, and period of time, extension property: represent judgments which are not observed for the originals distortion property: for improving the physical world or for inclusion of visions of better reality Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Stachowiak: 1-3 Qualities of a Model¥ ¨ Mainly Qualities of Use § ¦ Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Static qualities for a model Development quality: pervasiveness, analysability, changeability, stability, testability, privacy of the models, ubiquity Internal quality: accuracy, suitability, interoperability, robustness, self-contained, independence Quality of use: understandability, learnability, operability, attractiveness, appropriatedness Dynamic qualities within a selected development approach executability, refinement quality, scope restriction, effect preservation, context explicity, completion tracking modelling properties: monotonicity, incrementality, ... see below Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Modelling Ingredients = Languages + Restrictions + Negotiation + Methodologies Languages with syntactics, semantics, pragmatics inductive expression formation based on alphabets behaviour defined on expressions Restrictions depending on logics deontic, epistemic, modal, belief, preferences shortcuts, ambiguities, ellipses inherent language semantics classes of constraints versus sets of real-life constraint Negotiation by identification and analysis of the barriers (strategic, psychological, legal, and structural) to management or resolution of conflict development of strategies to overcome these barriers Methodology of development based on pragmatism, paradigms Variables in modelling ¨ ¥ e.g., static, deterministic, discrete, complex, intertwined § ¦ Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Evolution of the system • Kind of system and its equations Behaviour of variables Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern static dynamic • Predictability of behaviour deterministic stochastic Values for variables • Value domain discrete continuous Dimension of variables • Complexity of model one-dimensional complex, many-dimensional Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Dependence among variables • Correlation within model independent correlated Collaboration Based on a Commonly Agreed and Understood Language ¥ ¨ Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Forget about religious wars about the language choice § ¦ Inherent complexity of languages with pattern-based transformation to realisation languages Ambiguity of expressions requires context extraction and injection; variety of meanings as modularisation, context abstraction and privacy protection Choice among (partially) equivalent expressions depending on emphasis, appropriate appearance reflecting reality within the understanding of the user community ¨ ¥ Variety of models depending on preferences, users, usages, ... § ¦ Partially defined semantics for economy of utterances Language-dependent culture of representation Capacity and appropriatedness of languages for certain aspects within the application ¨ ¥ Model ensembles, model suites, GLaV model sets § ¦ The Sapir-Whorf Syndrome B.L. Whorf, Lost generation theories of mind, language, and religion. Ann Arbor, Mich., Popular Culture Association, Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim University Microfilms International, 1980. D. Sapire, General causation, Synthése, 1991, 86, 3, 321–347 “Principle of linguistic relativity”: actors skilled in a language may not have a (deep) understanding of some concepts of other languages The design and development quality depends on main success factors: • structuring of the process itself, • culture of people involved, • skills of actors, and • process capabilities Language Layers of Specification ¨ ¥ Specification Engineering: Separation and Abstraction § ¦ Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim (1) Declaration layer based on logical formulas or constructs description (2) Technical layer, e.g., methods for maintenance, by rules for compensation, enactment strategies, auxiliary methods operational semantics (3) Technological layer under explicit consideration of implementation and refinement context application (4) Organizational layer by integration into the architecture of the system, by obligations for users and for components of the system establishment (5) Economical layer: (economical and technological) feasibility, quality satisfaction (6) Handling satisfaction of properties and predicting changes of satisfaction (7) Optimisation for evolution and adaptation (8) Experiences utilisation for innovation and generalisation The Modelling Act ¨ ¥ similar to the speech act § ¦ Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim (1) a selection and construction of an appropriate model depending on the task and purpose and depending on the properties we are targeting and the context of the intended system and thus of the language appropriate for the system, (2) a workmanship on the model for detection of additional information about the original and of improved model, (3) an analogy conclusion or other derivations on the model and its relationship to the real world, and (4) a preparation of the model for its use in systems, to future evolution and to change. Constituents of Modelling ¨ ¥ Development of decisions and strategies § ¦ Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Aims of the integrated model and target outcome criteria of fitting similarity models Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Integration and mapping of models depending on their correlation and cohesion Detection, description, experimentation of laws with players, stability factors, entailers main Evolution of model ecosystems with explicit extraction of control parameters that effect or drive evolution Establishing a Model ¨ ¥ §Phases ¦ Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim • Clarification phase • Model construction phase • Model experimentation phase, e.g. based on simulation methods • Model optimisation phase • Model validation phase • Model application phase e.g. for decision making Supporting Facilities Blackboard for explicit treatment of open issues to be resolved Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Obligation handler for explicit intermediate storage of questions/activities left open at a certain activity for resolution at a later activity Decision tracker for explicit recording of decision made Alternative schemata for later revision of a schema Schema equivalence recorder for later choice of another schema that is is equivalent to the current one Incompleteness manager for explicit incomplete elements in a model Primitive Activities Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content according to kinds of data abstraction (classification, instantiation; aggregation, decomposition; generalization, specialization) Operations: selection / union, partition / union, nest / unnest, projection / product (or join) Composition constructor C, new name t, types t1 , ..., tn compose(t1 , ..., tn , C, t) Decomposition for a type t, terms e0 , e1 , ..., en on t, names N0 , ..., Nn decompose(t, e0 , e1 , ..., en , N0 , N1 , ..., Nn ) Extension t00 = extent(t, t0 ) extend t by t0 in component c Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Initialization generate(t) for abstract t special composition Computational Refinement Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Given two abstractions M, M ∗ , refinement is based on refinement of states states of interest S, S ∗ , correspondence between the states of interest abstract computation segments τ1 , ...., τm on M and σ1 , ...., σn on M ∗ (m,n)-refinement locations of interest equivalence relation ≡ on locations of interest M ∗ is a correct refinement of M if there for each M ∗ -run S0∗ , ...., Sk∗ , ... there is an M-run and sequences i0 < i1 < .... and j0 < j1 < ... such that i0 = j0 = 0 Sik ≡ Sj∗k for each k and either • both runs terminate and their final states are the last pair of equivalent states, or • both runs and both sequences are infinite. Complete refinement: M correct refinement of M ∗ and M ∗ correct refinement of M Kinds of Refinement Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Inside-out refinement: Inside-out refinement uses the current IS for extending it by additional part. These parts are hocked onto the current specification without changing it. Top-down refinement: Top-down refinement uses decomposition of functions in the vocabulary and refinement of rules. Additionally, the IS may be extended by functions and rules that are not yet considered. Bottom-up refinement: Bottom-up refinement uses composition and generalisation of functions and of rules to more general or complex. Bottom-up refinement also uses generation of new functions and rules that are not yet considered. Modular refinement: Modular refinement is based on parqueting of applications and separation of concern. Refinement is only applied to one module and does not affect others. Modules may also be decomposed. Mixed skeleton-driven refinement: Mixed refinement is a combination of refinement techniques. It uses a skeleton of the application or a draft of the architecture. This draft is used for deriving plans for refinement. Each component or module is developed on its own based on top-down or bottom-up refinement. Generic Refinement Steps and Their Correctness Refinement pattern Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Perspectives and styles - ? Derivation of generic refinement steps ¾ Development contract ? Generic refinement step Consistency conditions - ? Derivation of specific refinement steps ? Refinement step ¾ DBMS specification assumptions Often Neglected Activities Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim • Validation and verification activities proof of properties, correctness, completeness • Development of coherent constraint sets • Detection of concepts and conceptions • Quality management activities e.g., robustness, modality, completeness, error forgiveness • Transformation activities compilation, interpretation, mapping collaboration abstraction • Representing causal dependencies The¨ Notion of the Model ¥ §Different flavours of the notion of a model ¦ (1) A system of postulates, data, and inferences presented as a mathematical description of an entity or state of affairs. Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Encyclopedia Britannica (2) Graphical, mathematical (symbolic), physical, or verbal representation or simplified version of a concept, phenomenon, relationship, structure, system, or an aspect of the real world. The objectives of a model include (1) to facilitate understanding by eliminating unnecessary components, (2) to aid in decision making by simulating ’what if’ scenarios, (3) to explain, control, and predict events on the basis of past observations. Since most objects and phenomenon are very complicated (have numerous parts ) and much too complex (parts have dense interconnections) to be comprehended in their entirety, a model contains only those features that are of primary importance to the model maker’s purpose. Models range from simple sketches to computer programs with millions of lines of code, but all of them have one thing in common: some elements of the actual ’thing’ are abstracted or mapped into the model. Models are divided into three classes on the basis of their degree of abstraction. • (1) Iconic model: least abstract , physical, ’look-alike’ model, such as a model airplane or train . • (2) Analogous model: more abstract but having some resemblance to what it represents, such as a chart, graph, map, network diagram . • (3) Symbolic model: most-abstract model with no resemblance but only an approximation to what it represents, such as a mathematical equation or formula BusinessDictionary.com (3) A schematic description of a system, theory, or phenomenon that accounts for its known or inferred properties and may be used for further study of its characteristics: a model of generative grammar; a model of an atom; an economic model. Collins English Dictionary Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim (4) A systematic description of an object or phenomenon that shares important characteristics with the object or phenomenon. Scientific models can be material, visual, mathematical, or computational and are often used in the construction of scientific theories. Mariam-Webster Nr. 12 The Model · is based on an analogy of structuring, functionality, or behaviour, Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim · considers certain application purposes, and · provides a simple handling or service or consideration of the things under consideration. Model capacity: · the model provides some understanding of the original; · the model provides an explanation of demonstration through auxiliary information and thus makes original subject easier or better to understand; · the model provides an indication and facilities for making properties viewable; · the model allows to provide variations and support optimisation; · the model support verification of hypotheses within a limited scope; · the model supports construction of technical artifacts; · the model supports control of things in reality; · the model allows a replacement of things of reality and acts as a mediating means. ¨ ¥ Choose whatever you like and master!?!?!? § ¦ Explicit Treatment of Model Aims ¨ ¥ Models have their aims and intends that should be separated § ¦ Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Perception support for understanding the application domain Explanation and demonstration for understanding Preparation to management and handling of the original Optimisation of the application domain operating Hypothesis verification through the model Construction of an artifact Control of parts of the application Substitution for a part of the application ¨ ¥ Depending of the aim we shall use different schemata! § ¦ Construction Principles ¨ ¥ §Constructors for main structures and escort structures ¦ Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim principles of constructing complex structures meta context constructors processing context special implementation utilisation associations bulk hierarchies Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim utilisation quality based on based on constructor component hinge type star snowflake history layers log ... strategic tactical security performance potential actual product ... multiset classification semantics Explicit Consideration of Model Purpose Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Construction purpose for construction of a solution to application domain problems (either as business system or as embedded system) Communication purpose among stakeholders Analysis purpose for validation, verification, tests Examination ad check purpose for application domain or constructed system Documentation purpose for logging development decisions, alternatives, neglected parts, variants, reference models Master complexity, improvement, evolution, and realisation ¥ ¨ Each purpose requires its constructions and approaches! § ¦ Componentisation Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim WorkTask WorkTask Assignment q 1 Party ) ¾ i PartyAsset Assignment PartyAsset Assignment Requirement Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim N? ° Work ±6 M Billing Time Entry ) ¾ i Fixed Asset Assignment Fixed Asset Assignment Inventory Assignment Inventory Requirement q - Invoice 1 N? ° q - Asset 1 General Principles ¨ ¥ Well-known principles but missing theory § ¦ Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Modularisation: based on relatively independent component or subject architectures, orthogonalisation, parametrisation, based on Parnas information hiding and Liskov substitutability principles with interfaces, obligations, views, hierarchies, responsibilities, integration, dependences, independence, incompleteness and fuzziness, open world potential composability data, functional and control decomposition skeleton or crystallisation techniques Abstraction: component or construction abstraction, context abstraction, implementation abstraction pattern techniques and refinement, meta-structures, views Coupling: easy/lazy enforcement, tight or loose coupling, integration or collaboration Principles ¤ ¡ Esko Marjomaa: “Peircean” Reorganization in Conceptual Modeling Terminology £ ¢ Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Conceptualization principle: Only conceptual aspects of the application domain should be taken into account when constructing the conceptual schema. 95% -principle: All the relevant aspects of the application domain should be described in the conceptual schema. instead of 100% principle; based on engineering insight Formalization principle: Conceptual schemata should be formalisable in order to be implementable. Semiotic principle: Conceptual schemata should be easily interpretable and understandable. Correspondence condition for knowledge representation: The modellens should be such that the recognizable constituents of it have a one-to-one correspondence to the relevant constituents of the modellum. Invariance principle: Conceptual schema should be constructed on the basis of such entities found in the application domain that are invariant during certain time periods within the application area. Sub-schemata principle: In order to construct a good conceptual schema it is important first to construct relevant sub-schemata and then to search for connections between them. Choices for Specification: Modularisation Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim ¨ ¥ Implementation and localisation abstraction § ¦ data, functional, and control decomposition Explicit modularisation: skeleton-based modelling and architecturing interfaces and collaboration of components side-effect free computation and controlled effect on partners Implicit modularisation: through name spaces ¨ ¥ Advantages § ¦ separation of concerns, discovery of basic concepts, validation and verification of development, efficiency of tool support, scoped changes, evolution and extension, analysability, conservativeness, incrementality, testability ¥ ¨ Disadvantages § ¦ does not support agile development and brute-force prototyping Choices for Development Alternatives Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Object-expanded or class-separated depending on the modelling language, e.g. XML choices • Venetian blind (full expansion of objects) • Russian doll (DTD style) • Salami slice (similar to ER diagrams) Development strategy as 3-dimensional decision chart Development direction (B,J,T) 6 UCT ICT UVT IVT UCJ UMT UMJ UVB UMB ICJ IMT UVJ IVJ UCB IMJ B: bottom-up T: top-down J: jojo Controlled ICB - development (U,I) UVB M: modular V: view-based C: central IMB ª Modularisation (C,V,M) Dividing ridge for object (entity) types Limiting expressiveness e.g., binarisation U: uncontrolled I: inside-out Choices for Specification: Perspectives and Styles Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Structure-oriented perspective: structural description of the IS + semantic perspective Behavior-oriented perspective: behavior of the IS during its lifetime event approaches, Petri-net approaches, predicate transition systems Process-oriented perspective operation of the system ¨ ¥ Advantages § ¦ development methodology and scheduling, results in development strategies (top-down, inside-out, ...), analysability ¨ ¥ Disadvantages § ¦ depends on whether a system will have this perspective Development of Modelling Results result of modelling: (c, d, (ρ, θ, ψ), g, w) Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim • representation concept c • things d under consideration • with restrictions for their applicability ρ • with a rigidity or modality θ • with a confidence ψ on their validity • based on a common understanding of a group g • within their world w or culture Models and Solutions Imperfection explicit modelling of the divergence from the real world Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim • incompleteness • delay • simple error any model is imperfect due to exceptional states events, time lags incompleteness to to limitations of the language, consideration, errors either based on real errors and exceptional states or based on biases Properties of Modelling Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Monotonicity: any change leads to a refinement Incrementality: any step is only based on new requirements or obligations and on the current specification Finiteness: any quality criteria can be checked in finite time applying a finite number of checks Application domain consistency: corresponds to the requirements and the obligations of the application domain Conservativeness: any model revision that cannot be reflected already in the current specification is entirely based on changes in the requirements. at least conservative and application domain consistent any finite modelling process can be transformed into a process that is application domain consistent if the modelling process is application domain consistent then it can be transformed into an incremental one if we can extract such area of change in which consistency must be enforced Orthogonal Subschemata Address Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Fond 6 ?¼ Person ¾ Organization Supplier Customer - 66 Product 6 Order Personnel Management Production ¾ 6 Budget 6 Budget Department 6 Delivery ¾ ¾ Billing Reasoning on Properties Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Subject of modelling depending on the application area (DSL), organisation units, scope, selected language, language level and expression style, categorisation, classification, terminology Quality of the model depending on the modelling language, modelling transformations, formal treatment, formal derivation of properties, measurement reason whether a model is appropriate or suitable, relative completeness (Frege) depending on the purpose of the model depending on the quality of activities, goals, relevance, reusability, maturity, understandability Economy of modelling partially using standards, evaluating cognitive distance, evaluation value of the model, ROI Separation of Concern: The Zachman Framework ¨ ¥ Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Living in a world full of different models § ¦ Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim ¨ ¥ Coherence, calibration, mapping problems § ¦ Model Suites: Collaboration of Models ¨ ¥ Handling abstraction § ¦ Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Explicit collaboration of models based on • constructors • mappings Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim • contracts among models Dimensions of models based on the minimalisation of models and constructors Abstractions of models among mappings Constructors for construction of new models shuffle product, reduct , scope , integration Theory extension for model context representation and context integration Layers of Models for IS ¨ ¥ Managing model suites by stratification § ¦ Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Collaboration specification layers Infrastructure Collaboration Application domain layer Application environment Collaboration policy, principles, acts Requirements layer System sketches, requirements, system decisions Collaboration tasks, contracts, style, pattern Business user layer System view, parties, portfolio Collaboration stories Conceptual layer Information system specification, context support 3C-C schemata, informational processes, exchange frames Logical layer Information system - logical view Collaboration system Physical layer IS programs Collaboration programs Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Deployment layer ... ... supporting Model Suite: Constituents • set of models {M1 , ...., Mn } , Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim • association or collaboration schema among the models, Introduction • application schemata for explicit maintenance and evolution of the model suite, and Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim • controllers that maintain consistency or coherence of the model suite, • tracers for the establishment of the coherence. Coherence describes a fixed relationship between the models in a model suite. ¨ ¥ only inductive languages with compositionality principle § ¦ ¨ ¥ §concentration on discrete domains ¦ Model Suite: Languages Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Model language L: signature S and a set of constructors C ΣS,C well-formedness conditions Model type TLS = (LS , ΣLS ) language of the model and constraints ΣLS ∈ L(ΣWellFormed ) S Partial mappings Ri,j : LSi → LSj among LS1 , ...LSn Model M: structM in LS that obeys ΣLS , and set of constraints ΣM defined in the logics of this language. Model Suite: Model Association and Contracting Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Collaboration contract among models Collaboration • Communication is used in a variety of facets as an act or instance of transmitting or a process by which information is exchanged between models through a common system. • Coordination expresses the act or action of coordinating the harmonious functioning of models for effective results. • Cooperation expresses the action of cooperating. Collaboration style: supporting programs, data access pattern, style of collaboration, coordination workflows Collaboration pattern: supporting access and configuration, event processing, synchronization, and parallel execution Model Suite Model suite type ST = (TLS1 , ..., TLS , ΣLS1 ,...,LSn ) Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim model types TLSi defined on a set LSi , ..., LSn ΣS1 ,...,Sn constraints Model suite S on a model suite type ST models (M1 , ..., Mn ) of type TLSi that obey ΣLS1 ,...,LSn Contract on C: • constraints ΣLS1 ∪ ... ∪ ΣLSn ∪ ΣLS1 ,...,LSn , • description of the enforcement mechanisms for any operation that can be used for modification of one model, and • set of consistent evolution transformations. Model Suite: Synchronisation and Coherence Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Explicit mapping among models Mi Mi extract ei,jMi,to(j) ¾ load lj,i Mi,f rom(j) transform ti,j -M j,f rom(i) transform tj,i ¾ Mj,to(i) load li,j - ¾extract ej,i Mj Mj Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Coordination profile modeli ei,j lj,i (tj,i (ej,i )) ei,j ¾ tj,i (ej,i ) modelj Model Transformer evolution-prone completed to a model suite architecture ti,j (ei,j ) ¾ ej,i - li,j (ti,j (ei,j )) ej,i Hierarchical Layered Model Suites Typical example for models at the same abstraction level Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim auxiliary database ?injected DBS Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim insert inject modifiableinjected micro DBS sensors,observations, transaction data auxiliary database ?injected DBS (S c , ΣS c O c , ΣO c ) (S p , ΣS p , Op , ΣOp ) Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern auxiliary database ?injected - insert inject auxiliary database ?injected DBS DBS (S r , ΣS r , Or , ΣOr ) modifiableinjected meso DBS storage, capturing, historical integration, leverage, archiving - insert inject analysis DBS analysis, mining, exploration, hypotheses generation explicit inheritance of underlying data ownership principle explicit explanation based on underlying data agreed stratification of data and schemata (S m , ΣS m , Om , ΣOm ) modifiable - - injected presentation DBS business sheets, appendix for publication, web presentation Layers as a Building Block of Multi-Layered Architectures ¨ ¥ Generalising architectures § ¦ Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Architecture of a multi-layer model suite Operators: Oi+1,1 , ... Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Layer i+1 ? Data objects: ti+1,1 , ... Layer i Operators: Oi,1 , ... Data objects: ti,1 , ... “uses” Oi+1,p (ti+1,q ) “realises” - 6 Y + Layer language Oi,r (ti,1 , ..., ti,k ), ..., Oi,s (ti,1 , ..., ti,m ) Dimensions of Data Modelling: Profile and Portfolio, Abstraction and Extension, and Quality of Data Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Data aggregation, abstraction and enrichment 6founded annotated aggregated macro-data annotated aggregated macro-data macro-data micro-data Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Application A Application B - Data profile and portfolio Gossip/raw/sensor/source data Staged/cleansed data with data profiles Consolidated and transformed data with hocks for data change capture Integratable data ready for on-demand use in federations Coherent data enhanced by services for in-line delivery in enterprise data farms ª Data quality improvement Principles of Multi-Layered Modelling Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Downward-dependency principle: The main data dependency structure is topdown. Objects at a higher level depend on objects at a lower level. Upward-notification principle: Objects at a higher level act as subscribers to database changes at lower level. They may decide whether they eagerly or lazily enforce observed changes at lower level. Objects at lower level report however their changes. Neighbor-communication principle: Objects may exchange data only at the same layer with other objects. The neighborhood may also require that neighboring databases should be synchronised. Explicit association principle: The data exchange between databases is explicitly documented and recorded. Whenever a database at a higher level perceives data from a lower level then this exchange is logged. Cycle elimination principle: Cyclic data exchange between layers is broken based on the log information. Layer naming principle: Data belong to their level and can be identified at their level. Structural and Functional Integration of Models Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Mappings and actual data mappings (synonyms, homonyms, model suite hypernyms and hyponyms) partiality of data mapping, abstractions • Microdata as the starting point for collaboration • Mesodata through abstractions, filtering, scoping, summarisation • Macrodata for model injection Handling missing, intentionally not available, not applicable, biased and low quality data Informorphism among different equivalent presentations Function integration as generic functions depending on the model Constructor integration depending on the data profile and on the task portfolio Choices for Specification: Model Pattern Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim ¨ ¥ Depending on the style of development § ¦ Structure-oriented pattern such as • Compacting patterns • Typing patterns • Unfolding patterns • Union patterns IS rule pattern separation variation state transition control virtual machine convenience pattern pattern pattern pattern pattern pattern ¨ ¥ Advantages § ¦ efficient development with controlled refinement, repeatability, robustness, incrementality ¥ ¨ Disadvantages § ¦ restrictions in the development style, incrementality Responsibility Pattern Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Regulations requested by Responsibility type responsible ¾ Party type 6 Knowledge/strategic level 6 Temporal/tactical level Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim requested by for - Responsibility responsible ? ? Action Time frame - Party (0,n) (0,1) Evolution of Data Comparison operator Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim I 6 Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Duration L Observation ª ? Date µ -Measurement R * - R State ¾ 6 Real state - State type Planned state - Planning ] Method of measurement Planning of state Planning and Variations Action state Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim 6 Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim Relation to time performing ¾ - Action Á ] Interested party ? Proposed action Location Implemented action Summarising ¨ ¥ ... although there is not too much to summarise § ¦ Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern ¨ ¥ Instead of my own summary: The consternation summary at Modellierung 2009 § ¦ (1) ... but they do not know what they do ... (2) Babylonian language confusion and muddle (3) “It’s not a bug, it’s a feature”, de-facto-standards and lobbyists (4) why I should cope with what was the state of art yesterday (5) each day a new wheel, new buzzwords without any sense, and a new trend (6) without consideration of the value of the model (7) competition is a feature, inhomogeneity (8) Laokoon forever (9) dreams about a sound mathematical foundation (10) take but don’t think - take it only without critics Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim (11) academia in the ivory tower without executable models (12) where is the Ariadne thread through ¨ ¥ Our goal: Overcome this situation! ¦ § Thanks to Conceptual Modelling Theory Nov. 09, 2009 B. Thalheim Introduction Disconcertment Dimensions Modelling? Language? Modelling Act Model Principles Theory of CM Model Suites Model Pattern Content Information Concept Topic c °B. Thalheim • the organisers (esp., Klaus-Dieter Schewe) of this workshop for their courage to invite me to give a talk on a topic that never will get a complete solution, • the (DB)2 , RADD and mainly the ID2 communities that gave me a deep insight into their database developments and contributed to our schema library, • to Roland Kaschek who developed the notation of the model on the basis of Stachowiaks model theory and Pfänders theory of decisions and finally got an insight into the development gap, • the participants of the ‘Modellierung 2009” workshop with their intensive discussion of different facets, deficiencies, pitfalls and opportunities of a theory of conceptual modelling thus stimulating this research, • the colleagues from the ICfTC providing me an insight into philosophical investigations, and • finally everybody who is going now to contribute to a development of a theory of conceptual modelling (Please let me know your results via email to ¥ ¨ §[email protected] ¦ or let me join your research!) Thank you! [email protected] Content Information Concept Topic