Verification in the realm of enterprise modeling (EM) ensures both the consistency of EM language specifications (i.e., meta models and additional well-formedness constraints), as well as of ...enterprise models. The consistency of enterprise models, which integrate different perspectives on an enterprise, ensures that they contain the necessary, in line with domain-specific rules, information for carrying out a variety of model-driven enterprise analyses. Meta modeling platforms are instrumental in carrying out such verification, especially when multiple languages are applied in tandem, as is inherent to enterprise modeling.
This paper reports on our practical experiences of using formal methods for verification in the context of EM. Motivated by the required verification capabilities, we show for one example platform, ADOxx, how it can be chained together with Alloy, an example of lightweight formal method, to capitalize on complementary platform strengths. Namely, ADOxx for language specification and use, and Alloy for verification capabilities. We show the verification, both, on the meta model level, in terms of checking the consistency of language specifications, and on the model level, in terms of checking models against well-formedness constraints. We illustrate the chaining of ADOxx and Alloy on the basis of consistency checks of two languages applied in tandem, namely the value modeling language e3value and the IT infrastructure modeling language, ITML. We also carry out experiments with three further languages to reflect upon the performance of Alloy, and its capability to uncover inconsistencies.
•Showing a need for formal methods to support verification in the enterprise modeling field.•Complementing the meta modeling platform ADOxx with Alloy as a formal method for verification on the meta model level, as well as on the model level.•Showcasing the ADOxx-Alloy chain with the integrated consideration of two enterprise modeling languages: e3value and ITML.•Reporting on the performance of Alloy based on experiments with three further modeling languages.
Conceptual modeling promises to support various analysis questions on organizational structures, such as allocation of tasks, responsibilities, and authority in an organization. In this paper, we ...first synthesize requirements on an organizational structure analysis from the business scholar literature and assess to what extent and how current modeling languages fulfill these. In particular, we find limitations in the covered scope as well as the information processing capabilities of the reviewed approaches. Second, as a response to identified gaps, we propose multi-level modeling and integrated modeling and programming as a way to support design and analysis of organizational structure. We use the structure of universities as a case scenario. This paper is an extension of our earlier work. Firstly, we add an explicit set of requirements derived from business scholar literature. Secondly, we draw a comparison to the abstraction mechanisms used in conventional meta-modeling, as prominently exemplified by UML class diagrams, and we critically discuss multi-level modeling. Finally, we discuss a prototypical implementation of our multi-level model in the XModeler software tool.
Enterprise models have the potential to constitute a valuable asset for organizations, e.g., in terms of enabling a variety of analyses or by fostering cross-organizational communication. Therefore, ...while designing an enterprise modeling method one needs to ensure that created enterprise models are of good quality in terms of: (1) syntactic validity, which entails that a model adheres to syntactic rules encoded in the underlying modeling language, (2) semantic validity, i.e., that the model should make sense in its context of use, and (3) pragmatic validity, i.e., that the model should effectively and efficiently serve the intended purpose. To ensure these three validity types, verification and validation (V &V) techniques need to be exploited while designing the enterprise modeling method, e.g., to check created enterprise models against syntactic rules, or to ensure intra- and inter-model consistency. This paper targets the systematic embedding of V &V techniques into the engineering of (enterprise) domain-specific modeling methods (DSMMs). Specifically, after identifying and analyzing existing DSMM engineering approaches, we synthesize their elements (such as typical phases and steps) and enrich them with V &V techniques. This paper is an extension of our previous work and additionally contributes (1) a systematic analysis of a wider set of existing approaches to DSMM engineering, (2) an extended background that covers information on models, modeling languages and modeling methods, (3) additional details regarding selected validation and verification techniques for each phase, and finally (4) a road-map encompassing desiderata for further advances in V &V in domain-specific modeling method engineering, from the perspectives of practice, research and education.
To support the value assessment of technically feasible smart grid initiatives there exist several valuation methods. To determine whether those methods address all concerns relevant for smart grid ...valuation, we carry out a literature analysis aiming at (1) identifying existing valuation methods and the steps they propose, (2) identifying important valuation considerations, and (3) confronting these considerations with artifacts proposed by the existing valuation methods to identify open issues, requirements, and remaining challenges. Based on the conducted analysis we identify, among others, the following main deficiencies: (1) only a limited scope of concerns relevant to valuation is covered, particularly a systematic consideration of stakeholders goals, value exchange scenarios, and the IT infrastructure is lacking; and (2) a lack of instruments dedicated to fostering accessibility of valuation, in terms of establishing a shared understanding, communicating results, or actively involving different stakeholders in the process. Based on the findings, we suggest the application of conceptual modeling as an instrument to address the identified deficiencies. Therefore, we reflect on the role that current modeling approaches can play in smart grid valuation.
This paper is a part of a larger project whose ultimate goal is to develop a model-based method for multi-perspective valuation of smart grid initiatives. The purpose of this paper is to establish a foundation for the realization of the envisioned method. The design of the model-based valuation method itself, its application and evaluation, are subjects of future work.
•Identifies gaps in smart grid valuation methods, e.g., stakeholder goal analysis.•Identifies what role conceptual modeling can play.•Provides a first sketch of MOVING, a modeling method for smart grid valuation.
Conceptual modeling supports analyses of IT artifacts and the enterprise action system they are embedded in. However, in this paper it is argued that for IT landscape analyses existing modeling ...approaches fall short due to, among others, (a) problems with accounting for specifics of the IT domain, e.g., an elaborate technical terminology with various hierarchy levels, and (b) inadequate support for automated analyses within and across those different levels. In this paper, the authors discuss how a designed multilevel model of IT platforms created using the multilevel modeling language FMML
x
can help overcome these problems. To this end, limitations of IT platform models created with conventional, two-level modeling languages are shown. Furthermore, benefits resulting from the application of the selected multilevel modeling language are discussed.
In this article, we study the emergence of the political spaces of activism of second‐generation Swiss Tamils resulting from a critical event – the suffering of Tamils during and after the final ...battle in early 2009 of a civil war in northern Sri Lanka that had lasted for decades. We contend that we can explain the geographies of newly emerging second‐generation activism committed to achieving Tamil Eelam through two factors. These are first, this generation's multiple senses of belonging both to Switzerland and to the Tamil ‘nation’ and, second, the way a specific politics of affect remoulded second‐generation identities because the pain of witnessing the brutality of war and suffering of Tamils occurred concurrently with a perceived lack of interest from their ‘new home’ (Switzerland). The combination of these factors made them want to acknowledge their Tamil ‘roots’ and encouraged them to become politically active. Consequently, these second‐generation activists primarily sought to engage with their host society – to awaken it from its indifference to the suffering of Tamils and from its passivity in taking action on an international level. We thereby witness the emerging of a new type of Tamil activism in Switzerland, which is firmly located in and bound to the host country.
Towards flexible creation of multi-level models Töpel, Daniel; Kaczmarek-Heß, Monika
Proceedings of the 25th International Conference on Model Driven Engineering Languages and Systems: Companion Proceedings,
10/2022
Conference Proceeding
A process of a multi-level model creation follows typically the top-down approach, i.e., it requires first defining concepts and relations on the highest classification levels, which only then can be ...used to create concepts on the lower ones. Empirical insights into the process of multi-level model creation suggest however, that this strategy may be counter-intuitive and challenging, especially for non-experts. This paper addresses this problem by focusing on the idea of flexible multi-level model creation, understood as an intertwined application of top-down and bottom-up strategies. As a first step towards realizing this vision for multi-level models in general, and those created with the XModeler and Flexible Meta-Modeling and Execution Language (FMMLx) in particular, in this paper, we select a set of relevant multi-level refactoring patterns, adapt them to our approach, and implement them in the supporting tool. We illustrate the flexible creation process using an exemplary scenario.
Mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera) are prominent representatives of aquatic macroinvertebrates, commonly used as indicator organisms for water quality ...and ecosystem assessments. However, unambiguous morphological identification of EPT species, especially their immature life stages, is a challenging, yet fundamental task. A comprehensive DNA barcode library based upon taxonomically well‐curated specimens is needed to overcome the problematic identification. Once available, this library will support the implementation of fast, cost‐efficient and reliable DNA‐based identifications and assessments of ecological status. This study represents a major step towards a DNA barcode reference library as it covers for two‐thirds of Germany's EPT species including 2,613 individuals belonging to 363 identified species. As such, it provides coverage for 38 of 44 families (86%) and practically all major bioindicator species. DNA barcode compliant sequences (≥500 bp) were recovered from 98.74% of the analysed specimens. Whereas most species (325, i.e., 89.53%) were unambiguously assigned to a single Barcode Index Number (BIN) by its COI sequence, 38 species (18 Ephemeroptera, nine Plecoptera and 11 Trichoptera) were assigned to a total of 89 BINs. Most of these additional BINs formed nearest neighbour clusters, reflecting the discrimination of geographical subclades of a currently recognized species. BIN sharing was uncommon, involving only two species pairs of Ephemeroptera. Interestingly, both maximum pairwise and nearest neighbour distances were substantially higher for Ephemeroptera compared to Plecoptera and Trichoptera, possibly indicating older speciation events, stronger positive selection or faster rate of molecular evolution.
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