Process-based domain ontology for decision support in a complex problem domain : a case of medical emergency coordination.

Abstract

This research sets out to design an integrated process-based domain ontology for decision support in a complex problem domain. It specifically focuses on emergency management (EM) as the domain. Despite increasing research in EM, there has been a lack of conceptual framework in EM and an absence of common information structure that hamper effectiveness of decision making in the domain. In order to provide solutions to these problems, this research developed an Integrated Framework for Comprehensive Collaborative Emergency Management . (IFCCEM) and a Domain Ontology for Emergency Management (DOEM). This research investigated how the DOEM can be integrated with process modelling to enhance decision making in a context of medical emergency coordination. The direction of the research then moves towards general conclusions and theories that provide design requirements for an integrated process-based domain ontology for decision support that can be applied to other complex problem domains. This research is highly practical as it aims to provide solutions to the real issues and opportunities in the EM domain. This is in line with the objectives of the design science paradigm that is to create new and innovative artifacts to address problems in the real world. Hence, design science is selected as the research paradigm that provides guidance from the beginning to the end of the research. The practical contributions among other things included (i) the development of the IFCCEM that provides links between various dimensions of EM for collaborative decision support; (ii) the development of the DOEM that provides explicit and formal conceptualization in the EM domain for knowledge sharing and system interoperability; and (iii) the development of process models that described key decision making processes in coordinating medical emergency responses. This research also provides contributions to both domain theory and design theory. The contributions to domain theory in the EM domain include identifying, analysing and defining the main concepts in EM and their interrelationships. The contributions to design theory include specifying relationship between domain ontology, process modelling and decision support as well as outlining design requirements for developing process-based domain ontology for decision support in a complex problem domain.