Domain-specific Modeling Method Research Articles

Increase development productivity by domain-specific conceptual modeling

This paper addresses the question of whether and how the development and use of a domain-specific modeling method (DSMM) can increase productivity in the development of technical systems in an industrial setting. This is because an essential prerequisite for DSMMs to become established in operational practice is that productivity increases can be achieved with them and qualitative benefits such as quality assurance, innovation potential, and the like can be exploited. After all, managers’ decisions are ultimately based on whether or not the use of a new method pays off. We illustrate our findings using the example of a DSMM development for the design and realization of electric vehicle testbeds, which we carried out as part of a cooperation project. This work sets the base for possible generalization into other automotive, mechatronic, and technical areas.

Validation and verification in domain-specific modeling method engineering: an integrated life-cycle view

Validation and verification in domain-specific modeling method engineering: an integrated life-cycle view

Linked Open Models: Extending Linked Open Data with conceptual model information

As the uptake of the Semantic Web vision has been relatively slow, a strategy based on pragmatic steps is being deployed in order to setup enablers and to stimulate acceptance. "Linked Open Data" refers to one of these early steps, benefiting from an available technological space (RDF, HTTP). The paper proposes "Linked Open Models" as a possible additional step, whose aim is to enable users to externalize knowledge in the form of diagrammatic models – a type of content that is human-readable, as well as linkable in the way promoted by the Linked Data paradigm. Consequently, diagrams become user-generated content that semantically enriches Linked Data, thus allowing richer constraints or connections in queries. The vision emerged from the context and use cases provided by the ComVantage FP7 research project, where linking benefits for conceptual diagrammatic models have been investigated. However the paper also discusses the vision’s degree of generality, beyond the scope of the exemplary project use cases. Feasibility was demonstrated with a vocabulary and a prototype mechanism for exposing the models created with a hybrid, domain-specific modeling method in a Linked Data-driven collaboration environment.

On Developing Hybrid Modeling Methods using Metamodeling Platforms

It has been acknowledged that model-based approaches and domain-specific modeling (DSM) languages, methods and tools are beneficial for the engineering of increasingly complex systems and software. Instead of general-purpose one-size-fits-all modeling languages, DSM methods facilitate model-based analysis and design of complex systems by providing modeling concepts tailored to the specific problem domain. Furthermore, hybrid DSM methods combine single DSM methods into integrated modeling methods, to allow for multi-perspective modeling. Metamodeling platforms provide flexible means for design and implementation of such hybrid modeling methods and appropriate domain-specific modeling tools. In this paper, we report on the conceptualization of a hybrid DSM method in the domain of network physical devices management, and its implementation based on the ADOxx metamodeling platform. The method introduces a hybrid modeling approach. A dedicated DSM language (DSML) is used to model the structure of physical devices and their configurations, whereas the formal language for knowledge representation OWL2 is used to specify configuration-related constraints. The outcome of the work is a hybrid, semantic technology-enabled DSM tool that allows for efficient and consistency-preserving model-based configuration of network equipment.

MetricM: a modeling method in support of the reflective design and use of performance measurement systems

Performance indicators play a key role in management practice. The existence of a coherent and consistent set of performance indicators is widely regarded as a prerequisite to making informed decisions in line with set objectives of the firm. Designing such a system of performance indicators requires a profound understanding of the relations between financial and non-financial metrics, organizational goals, aspired decision scenarios, and the relevant organizational context--including subtleties resulting from implicit assumptions and hidden agendas potentially leading to dysfunctional consequences connected with the ill-informed use of performance indicators. In this paper, we investigate whether a domain-specific modeling method can address requirements essential to the reflective design of performance measurement systems, and which structural and procedural features such a method entails. The research follows a design research process in which we describe a research artifact, and evaluate it to assess whether it meets intended goals and domain requirements. In the paper, we specify design goals, requirements and assumptions underlying the method construction, discuss the structural specification of the method and its design rationale, and provide an initial method evaluation. The results indicate that the modeling method satisfies the requirements of the performance measurement domain, and that such a method contributes to the reflective definition and interpretation of performance measurement systems.