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Improving the Semantics of Conceptual-Modeling Grammars: A New Perspective on an Old Problem

2013 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0
Authors: Clarke, Roger; Burton-Jones, Andrew; Weber, Ron

Abstract: A core activity in information systems development involves understanding the co ... Expand

Abstract: A core activity in information systems development involves understanding the conceptual model of the domain that the information system supports. Any conceptual model is ultimately created using a conceptual-modeling (CM) grammar. Accordingly, just as high quality conceptual models facilitate high quality systems development, high quality CM grammars facilitate high quality conceptual modeling. This paper seeks to provide a new perspective on improving the quality of CM grammar semantics. For the past twenty years, the leading approach to this topic has drawn on ontological theory. However, the ontological approach captures just half of the story. It needs to be coupled with a logical approach. We show how ontological quality and logical quality interrelate and we outline three contributions of a logical approach: the ability to see familiar conceptual-modeling problems in simpler ways, the illumination of new problems, and the ability to prove the benefit of modifying CM grammars. Collapse

Semantic filters: theory of ontological expressiveness

Topics: knowledge representation predicate logic automated reasoning

Methods: conceptual modelling ontological modelling entity relationship modeling design science survey

Theories: theory of everything theory of ontological expressiveness
Do Ontological Deficiencies in Modeling Grammars Matter?

2011 | Management Information Systems Quarterly | Citations: 0
Authors: Michael Rosemann, Jan Recker; Green, Peter; Indulska, Marta

Abstract: Conceptual modeling grammars are a fundamental means for specifying information ... Expand

Abstract: Conceptual modeling grammars are a fundamental means for specifying information systems requirements. However, the actual usage of these grammars is only poorly understood. In particular, little is known about how properties of these grammars inform usage beliefs such as usefulness and ease of use. In this paper, we use an ontological theory to describe conceptual modeling grammars in terms of their ontological deficiencies, and formulate two propositions in regard to how these ontological deficiencies influence primary usage beliefs. Using BPMN as an example modeling grammar, we surveyed 528 modeling practitioners to test the theorized relationships. Our results show that users of conceptual modeling grammars perceive ontological deficiencies to exist, and that these deficiency perceptions are negatively associated with usefulness and ease of use of these grammars. With our research, we provide empirical evidence in support of the predictions of the ontological theory of modeling grammar expressiveness, and we identify previously unexplored links between conceptual modeling grammars and grammar usage beliefs. This work implies for practice a much closer coupling of the act of (re-)designing modeling grammars with usage-related success metrics. Collapse

Semantic filters: theory of ontological expressiveness

Topics: ease of use perceived usefulness perceived ease of use knowledge representation missing data

Methods: business process model and notation modeling language conceptual modelling theory development survey design

Theories: theory of ontological expressiveness
The ontological deficiencies of process modeling in practice
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2010 | European Journal of Information Systems | Citations: 24
Authors: Recker, Jan; Indulska, Marta; Rosemann, Michael; Green, Peter

Abstract: Business process modeling is widely regarded as one of the most popular forms of ... Expand

Abstract: Business process modeling is widely regarded as one of the most popular forms of conceptual modeling. However, little is known about the capabilities and deficiencies of process modeling grammars and how existing deficiencies impact actual process modeling practice. This paper is a first contribution towards a theory-driven, exploratory empirical investigation of the ontological deficiencies of process modeling with the industry standard Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN). We perform an analysis of BPMN using a theory of ontological expressiveness. Through a series of semi-structured interviews with BPMN adopters we explore empirically the actual use of this grammar. Nine ontological deficiencies related to the practice of modeling with BPMN are identified, for example, the capture of business rules and the specification of process decompositions. We also uncover five contextual factors that impact on the use of process modeling grammars, such as tool support and modeling conventions. We discuss implications for research and practice, highlighting the need for consideration of representational issues and contextual factors in decisions relating to BPMN adoption in organizations. Collapse

Semantic filters: theory of ontological expressiveness

Topics: knowledge representation business process improvement knowledge management enterprise information system business process management

Methods: modeling language business process model and notation business process modeling qualitative interview personal interview

Theories: theory of ontological expressiveness
Guidelines for Empirical Evaluations of Conceptual Modeling Grammars

2009 | Journal of the Association for Information Systems | Citations: 0
Authors: Burton-Jones, Andrew; Wand, Yair; Weber, Ron

Abstract: Conceptual modeling grammars are used to create scripts that represent someone's ... Expand

Abstract: Conceptual modeling grammars are used to create scripts that represent someone's perception, or some group's negotiated perception, of domain semantics. For many years, researchers have evaluated conceptual modeling grammars to determine ways that they can be improved. One way to evaluate them is to empirically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the grammars in terms of their effectiveness and efficiency in generating scripts. A number of researchers have proposed guidelines for the design of empirical research to conduct such evaluations. Although these guidelines have proved useful, further clarification is needed in relation to (1) criteria for evaluating grammar performance, (2) characteristics of grammars that can influence grammar performance, and (3) factors that must be considered when testing the effect of grammar characteristics on grammar performance. We review past conceptual modeling research and provide guidelines for addressing these three issues. We also illustrate how the guidelines would apply to studies that evaluate conceptual modeling grammars from an ontological perspective. Finally, we discuss how the guidelines extend those offered in past research and the implications of our work for future research. Collapse

Semantic filters: theory of ontological expressiveness

Topics: database system task complexity

Methods: conceptual modelling literature sample design science data modeling unified modeling language

Theories: theory of ontological expressiveness cognitive fit theory action theory

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Found 4 articles

Improving the Semantics of Conceptual-Modeling Grammars: A New Perspective on an Old Problem

Do Ontological Deficiencies in Modeling Grammars Matter?

The ontological deficiencies of process modeling in practice

Guidelines for Empirical Evaluations of Conceptual Modeling Grammars