Next Generation of Modelling Platforms

Abstract

Future enterprise systems require an elaborate conceptual foundation that promotes a tight mutual alignment between information systems and business to effectively support business operations and managerial decision-making. Thus a growing number of groups around the world show interest in modelling methods – either standard or individual ones – that satisfy the requirements of their domain and comply with the conceptual foundations. In order to analyze modelling methods in different domains, we introduce a generic modelling method specification framework that describes modelling methods on three major parts: (i) the modelling language that describes the syntax, semantics and notation, (ii) the modelling procedures that describe the methodology as well as (iii) algorithms and mechanisms that provide “functionality to use and evaluate” models described by a modelling language. Simultaneous to the raise of modelling methods there is a need for re-use, integration or combination of different modelling methods. The metamodelling approach is considered to provide the required concepts and mechanisms to combine different modelling methods for the so called Hybrid Method Engineering. The Next Generation Modelling Framework (NGMF) supports Hybrid Method Engineering, both on a conceptual and on a technical integration level. On conceptual level the NGMF provides mechanisms to encapsulate modelling methods and enable the hybrid use of different modelling languages. On technical level the Next Generation Modelling Platform provides functionality for modelling method engineering and modelling method application. The organizational framework is provided by the Open Model Initiative (OMI), which supports users in realizing and applying this approach based on three pillars: community, projects and foundations.