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Improving Representational Analysis: An Example from the Enterprise Systems Interoperability Domain

Green, Peter and Rosemann, Michael and Indulska, Marta and Recker, Jan C. (2006) Improving Representational Analysis: An Example from the Enterprise Systems Interoperability Domain. In Spencer, Su and Jenkins, Adam, Eds. Proceedings 17th Australasian Conference on Information Systems, Adelaide, Australia.

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Abstract

Representational analysis is increasing in popularity, not just in the area of evaluation of conceptual modelling grammars, but in any real-world modelling situation where semantics are being communicated through the use of grammatical constructs or symbols. However, critical questions remain as to choosing the appropriate reference ontology as a representational benchmark for a given situation and applying that ontology analytically in the process of representational analysis. This paper demonstrates how meta-models of proposed reference ontologies can be compared and evaluated on the bases of equivalence, structure and scope in order to aid the selection task. Having selected the reference ontology, this paper explains the current practice of representational analysis and clearly delineates the limitations of the procedure at the input, process and output stages. Finally, this paper explains how an improved version of the representational analytical methodology can be used to establish the ‘common’ set of requirements for full enterprise systems interoperability – an application domain well outside that of traditional conceptual modelling.

Item Type:Conference Paper
Status:Published
Keywords:Representational analysis, ontology, BWW model, representation theory
Subjects:280000 Information, Computing and Communication Sciences > 280100 Information Systems > 280111 Conceptual Modelling
ID Code:6161
Deposited By:Recker, Jan
Deposited On:15 February 2007
Alternative Locations:http://www.acis2006.unisa.edu.au/
Copyright Owner:Copyright 2006 (please consult author)