ORM 2005

Using ORM to Model Web Systems

admin — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:19:32 GMT

Presentation by Olga De Troyer (Olga.DeTroyer@vub.ac.be) of a paper by Olga De Troyer, Sven Casteleyn (Sven.Casteleyn@vub.ac.be) and Peter Plessers (Peter.Plessers@vub.ac.be)

Abstract: In this paper, we describe how ORM is extended, and combined with Concurrent Task Trees (CTT) to model the content as well as the functionality of a web system in the web design method WSDM. As WSDM uses an audience driven design approach, the use of ORM is somewhat different from its use for data modeling in the context of databases. We discuss the differences. We also discuss the benefits oif using ORM for our purpose, modeling web systems using an audience driven approach.

Full paper available from: R.Meersman et al. (Eds.): OTM Workshops 2005, LNCS 3672, pp. 700-709. 2005 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

Using Abstractions to Facilitate Management of Large ORM Models and Ontologies

admin — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:18:03 GMT

Presentation of paper by C. Marijke Keet, Faculty of Computer Science, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Italy. keet@inf.unibz.it

Abstract: Due to ever larger ORM models and ORM-represented ontologies, information management and its GUI representation is even more important. One useful mechanism is abstraction, which has received some attention in conceptual modelling and implementation. as well as its foundational characteristics. Extant heuristics for ORM abstrctions are examined and enriched with several foundational aspects of abstraction. These improvements are appliccable to a wider range of types of representations, including conceptual models and ontologies, there by not only alleviating the Database Comprehension Problem, but also facilitate conceptual modeling and ontology browsing.

Full paper is at: R Meersman et al. (Eds): OTM Workshops 2005, LNCS 3762, pp. 603-612, 2005 / Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005

Schema Equivalence as a Counting Problem

admin — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:16:18 GMT

Paper presented by H. A. (Erik) Proper(E.Proper@cs.ru.nl) and Th. P. van der Weide (Th.P.vanderweide@cs.ru.nl) , Institute for Computing and Information Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Abstract: In this paper we introduce some terminology for comparing the expressiveness of conceptual data modeling techjniques such as ER, NIAM, PSM and ORM, that are finitely bounded by their underlying domains. Next we consider schema equivalence and discuss the effects of the sizes of the underlying domains. This leads to the introduction of the concept of finite equivalence, which may serve as a means to better understanding of the fundamentals of modeling concepts (utility). We give some examples of finite equivalence and inequivalence in the context of ORM.

The full paper is available from R.Meersman et al (Eds.): OTM workshops 2005, LNCS 3762, pp 730-739, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

Requirements Engineering with ORM

admin — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:14:26 GMT

Presentation of a paper by Ken Evans, Ambo Services Ltd, ken.evans@amboservices.com

Abstract: The number of IT project overspends and failures suggests that many IT projects do not conform to requirements. Despite decades of development, the IT industry still seems to lack an effective method for ensuring that a project will be right first time. This paper outlines an ORM based requirements engineering process that aims to reduce the number of IT project failures. The main deliverable of the process is a formal description of WHAT a system is required to do without reference to HOW it is to be done. Data or process, which comes first? This paper answers this question by showing how to define processes by starting with an object-role model. To use the approach in this paper, you will need the Object-Role modeling tool embedded within the database function of Microsoft Visual Studio for Enterprise Architects 2003 or later together with two referenced books, [Halpin 01] and [Halpin 03].

"Quality is free. Its not a gift, but it is free.
What costs money are the unquality things - all the actions that involve not doing jobs right the first time."
Philip Crosby [Crosby 79]

Paper available from R.Meersman et al. (Eds.): OTM workshop 2005, LNCS 3762, pp.646-655.

ORM2

admin — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:12:44 GMT

Presentation by Terry Halpin , Neumont University, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Abstract: Object-Role Modeling (ORM) is a fact-oriented modeling approach for specifying, transforming, and querying information at a conceptual level. Unlike Entity-Relationship modeling and Unified Modeling language class diagrams, fact-oriented modeling is attribute-free, treating all elementary facts as relationships. For information modeling, fact-oriented graphical notations are typically far more expressive than other notations. Introduced 30 years ago, ORM has evolved into closely related dialects, and is supported by industrial and academic tools. Industrial experience has identified ways to improve current ORM languages (graphical and textual) and associated tools. A project is now under way to provide tool support for a second generation ORM (called ORM 2) that has significant advances over current ORM technology. This paper provides an overview of, and motivation for, the enhancements introduced by ORM 2, and discusses an open-source ORM 2 tool under development.

The original paper is available from : R. Meersman et al (Eds.) : OTM Workshops 2005, LNCS 3762, pp. 676-687, 2005 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005

Object Role Modelling for Ontology Engineering inthe DOGMA Framework

admin — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:10:47 GMT

Presentation by Peter Spyns (Peter.Spyns@vub.ac.be) of his paper.

Abstract: A recent evolution in the areas of artificial intelligence, database semantics and information systems is the advent of the Semantic Web that requires software agents and web services exchanging meaningful and unabiguous messages. A prerequisite for this kind of interoperability is the use of ontology. Currently not many ontology engineering methodologies exist. This apper describes some basic isues to be taken into account when using the ORM methodology for ontology engineering from the DOGMA ontology framework pint of view.

Full paper available from: R. Meersman et al. (Eds.): OTM Workshops 2005, LNCS 3762, pp. 710-719, 2005 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

Modularization and Automatic Composition of Object-Role Modeling (ORM) Schemes

admin — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:09:18 GMT

Presentation of a paper by: Mustafa Jarrar, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium mjarrar@vub.ac.be

Abstract: In this paper we present a framework and algorithm for modularization and composition of ORM schemes. The main goals of modularity are to enable and increase reusability, maintainability and distributed development of ORM schemes. Further, we enable effective browsing and management of such schemes through libraries of ORM schema modules. For automatic composition of modules, we present and implement a composition operator: all atomic concepts and their relationships (i.e. fact types) and all constraints, across the composed modules, are combined together to form one schema (called modular schema).

The original paper is available from: R Meersman et al. (Eds): OTM Workshops 2005, LNCS 3762, pp. 613-625, 2005 Springer-Verlag Heidelberg 2005

Modeling Context Information with ORM

admin — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:50:44 GMT

Paper presented at the ORM 2005 workshop in Cyprus by

Karen Hendricksen (karen@itee.uq.edu.au), Jadwiga Indulska (jaga@itee.uq.edu.au) and Ted McFadden (mcfadden@dtsc.edu.au)

CRC for Enterprise Distributed Systems Technology (DTSC) (Ted)
School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (Karen & Jadwiga)
The University of Queensland

Abstract: Context-aware applications rely on implicit forms of input, such as sensor-derived data, in order to reduce the need for explicit input from users. They are especially relevant for mobile and pervasive computing environments, in which user attention is it a premium. To support the development of context aware applications, techniques for modeling context information are required. These must address a unique combination of requirements, including the ability to model information supplied by both sensors and people, to represent imperfect information, and to capture contact histories. As the field of context aware computing is relatively new, mature solutions for context modeling to not exist, and researchers rely on information modeling solutions developed for other purposes. In our research, we have been using a variant of object-role Modeling (ORM) to model context. In this paper, we reflect on our experiences and outline some research challenges in this area. R Meersman et al. (Eds): OTM Workshops 2006, LNCS 3762, pp. 626-635, 2005 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005

Generating Applications from Object-Role Models

admin — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:49:10 GMT

Presentation by Betsy Pepels (betsy@cs.ru.nl) and Runus Plasmeijer (runus@cs.ru.nl) Software Technology Department, Institute for Computing and Information Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands

Abstract: We propose a generic strategy for generating Information Systems (IS) applications on the basis of an Object-Role Model (ORM). This strategy regards an ORM as specifying both static and dynamic aspects of the IS application. We implemented the strategy as a prototype tool, thereby using state of the art software technology. The tool generates IS applications with a basic functionality. We regard our strategy as a first investigation of a new way to generate IS applications. Many open and sometimes far-reaching questions arise from this first exploration.

The full paper can be obtained from R. Meersman et al (Eds.): OTM Workshops 2005, LNCS 3762, pp.656-665 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

Fact Calculus: Using ORM and Lisa-D to reason about Domains.

admin — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:47:26 GMT

Presentation of paper by SJBA Hoppenbrouwers, HA (Erik) Proper and Th P van der Weide, Institute for Computing and Information Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Abstract: We propose to use ORM and Lisa-D as a means to formally reason about domains. Conceptual rule languages such as Lisa-D, RIDL and ConQuer allow for the specification of rules in a semi-natural language format that can more easily be understood by domain experts than languages such as predicate calculus, Z or OCL. If one would indeed be able to reason about properties of domains in terms of Lisa-D expressions, then this reasoning would be likely to be better accessible to people without a background in formal mathematics, such as the "average" domain expert. A potential application domain for such reasoning would be the field of business rules. If we can reason about business rules formulated in a semi natural language format, the formal equivalence of (sets of) business rules (i.e. various paraphrasings) can be discussed with domain experts in a language and a fashion that is familiar to them.

Full paper available from R. Meersman et al (Eds.): OTM Workshops 2005, LNCS 3762, pp. 720-729. 2005 Springer-Verlang Berlin Heidelberg

A World Ontology Specification Language

admin — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:45:13 GMT

Presentation by Jan L G Dietz, Delft University of Technology, Chair of Information System Design, j.l.g.dietz@ewi.tudelft.nl

Abstract: A language is proposed for specification of the ontology of a world. Contrary to current ontology languages, it includes the transition space of a world, in addition to its state space. For the sake of a clear and deep understanding of the difference between state space and transition space, two kinds of facts are distinguished: stata (things that are just the case) and facta (things that are brought about). The application of the language is demonstrated using a library as the example case.

The paper is available from R. Meersman et al. (Eds.) OTM Workshops 2005, LNCS 3672, pp. 688-699, 2005. Springer Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005