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Multi-level Modelling: Time for a ‘Copernican’ (R)Evolution?

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Enterprise, Business-Process and Information Systems Modeling (BPMDS 2013, EMMSAD 2013)

Abstract

Contemporary modelling practice links models of business system concepts to metamodels to metametamodels in a multilayer architecture. One standard architecture, that of the Object Management Group, utilizes so-called strict metamodelling, which can readily be shown to lead to several concerns, paradoxes and challenges within modelling approaches, including MDE, currently in use. Utilizing an analogy in the paradigm shift from a Ptolemaic model of the solar system to a Copernican understanding, I will argue that the current state of affairs in conceptual modelling, as used in developing information systems and modelling business processes, is ‘Ptolemaic’ and, using ideas from language use, ontology engineering and philosophy, suggest a framework for ‘Copernican’ modelling that will provide both a paradigm shift in multilevel modelling and also a new orthodoxy for the future that will ensure simpler and more satisfying modelling solutions for both business processes and software development in the years to come.

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© 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Henderson-Sellers, B. (2013). Multi-level Modelling: Time for a ‘Copernican’ (R)Evolution?. In: Nurcan, S., et al. Enterprise, Business-Process and Information Systems Modeling. BPMDS EMMSAD 2013 2013. Lecture Notes in Business Information Processing, vol 147. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-38484-4_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-38484-4_1

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-38483-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-38484-4

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

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