ORM 2007

P18: Collaborative ORM Data Modeling: Educational Experience using a Wiki

admin — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 08:32:12 GMT

Abstract This case study reports on a classroom experience using a Wiki to design an ORM data model. Student teams developed ORM diagrams and were to present them in a top down unfolding fashion along with an accompanying narrative description. Data modeling is typically a group effort involving several user domain subject matter experts. No one individual knows everything, but collaboration can capture their collective knowledge. In a large metropolitan area, the students were widely dispersed and most worked full time. This made face-to-face meetings difficult. Increasingly in practice, data modeling is done by virtual teams where members cannot meet to generate and review design ideas. Hence, there is a need for tools and an infrastructure to facilitate collaboration in virtual teams. Wikis have been used successfully for mass collaboration. Students are increasingly likely to encounter Wikis in their working world. Hence, the purpose of the assignment -- use a Wiki to develop and document an ORM data model. While there was considerable variation in the organization of Wiki pages across four teams, the most striking similarity was the inclusion of a Wiki page to collect elementary facts. This would attest to the central importance of this step in any data modeling effort, to gather information requirements and business rules. However, this classroom experience showed some serious limitations using a Wiki for small team collaboration in which there is some specific end product. The result goes beyond just the documentation itself to produce a well-defined database.

Author Gordon C Everest, Professor Emeritus of MIS & DBMS, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, geverest@umn.edu

Is There Fact Orientation Life Preceding Requirements?

admin — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 17:11:53 GMT

Abstract. Since the early nineties we applied fact orientation at ABP to areas that precede or are in time before the requirements for an IT system as well as several other areas like education and product specification. In this paper I will also describe the historical developments using fact orientation towards more and more integration of education. It started at the associate level with a low degree of integration and went through a bachelor completely integrated to a master completely integrated.

Author: Jos Vos, ABP, Heerlen, The Netherlands

The original paper is available from Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science : LNCS 4805 , November 2007

P05: Promising Chance of Innovation for Conceptual Modeling in Commerzbank

admin — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 20:24:59 GMT

Abstract. Data modeling and database generation at Commerzbank1 is largely based on entity relationship modeling (ERM) using a central data dictionary from IBM introduced in 1984 and enriched in the following decades. The software used for ERM runs on a mainframe with a hierarchical database technology called IMS. Recent innovations give the important chance to begin a new generation of the dictionary functionality by focusing on three important points: costs, transparency and functionality. These points are addressed with NIAM 2007 2. It expresses all requirements mainly using concept definitions, facts and business rules in natural language accompanied with associated diagrams for fast reading. An increase in transparency and precision in running projects encourages the project teams to continue in this way.

Author: Mario Gutknecht Commerzbank, Germany

The original paper is available from Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science : LNCS 4805 , November 2007

P01: A NIAM2007 Conceptual Analysis of the ISO and OMG MOF Four Layer Metadata Architectures

admin — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 22:07:02 GMT

Abstract. OMG and ISO gain more and more influence in IT by issuing standards to the world community. The better the quality and understandability of such standards the easier they get accepted. Important standards of ISO and OMG are based on the so-called classical framework for meta-modeling. In this paper we will use the NIAM2007 conceptual schema specification procedure or modeling processes to derive the layers of the metadata architecture. We propose to accept the outcome of logical reasoning as a solid basis for understanding.

Authors: Inge Lemmens, Maurice Nijssen, and Sjir Nijssen PNA Group, Geerstraat 105, 6411 NP Heerlen, The Netherlands{inge.lemmens,maurice.nijssen,sjir.nijssen}@pna-group.nl

The original paper is available from Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science : LNCS 4805 , November 2007

P13: Demonstration of the tool CaseTalk

admin — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 19:14:43 GMT

This presentation was used to support the demonstration of the CaseTalk tool that supports FCO-IM.

P08: Advances in FCO-IM (2): A Shorter Algorithm for Determining Intra Fact Type Uniqueness Constraints

admin — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 19:02:24 GMT

Abstract. We present a general algorithm for determining all intra fact type uniqueness constraints in a fact type with n roles. For Fact Oriented Methods of information modeling that work with elementary fact types, a top-down approach is shorter than a bottom-up approach for fact types with more than two roles. The algorithm is shorter (in terms of the number of tests to be performed) than the one published earlier in our book on FCO-IM. For its most important steps, we prove that no shorter algorithm exists.

Note: You can download the book on FCO-IM from the Library.

Authors: Jan Pieter Zwart and Guido Bakema,
Research and Competence Group Data Architectures & Metadata Management Academy of Communication and Information Technology HAN University of Applied Science , Ruitenberglaan 26, 6826 CC Arnhem, The Netherlands janpieter.zwart@han.nl, guido.bakema@han.nl

The original paper is available from Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science LNCS 4805, November 2007

P03: Formalizing ORM using the DLR and the SHOIN/OWL description logics

admin — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 20:10:14 GMT

Abstract. We map ORM into the SHOIN/OWL, which is the most common description logic in ontology engineering. As SHOIN/OWL is known to be a good compromise between expressiveness and computational complexity, this implies that the ORM constraints mapped in this paper are the constraints that are easier to implement and reason about. Our mappings are implemented as an extension to the DogmaModeler tool, which uses Racer as a background reasoning engine. Furthermore, the expressive, methodological, and graphical capabilities of ORM make it a good candidate for use as a graphical notation for ontology languages. In this way, industrial experts who are not IT savvy will still be able to build and view ontologies without needing to know the logic or reasoning foundations underpinning them.

Author: Mustafa Jarrar, Department of Computer Science, University of Cyprus STARLab, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Belgium

The original paper is available from Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science : LNCS 4805 , November 2007

P04: Mapping OWL-DL into ORM/RIDL

admin — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:12:19 GMT

Abstract: In this paper, we analyze the semantics of OWL-DL and ORM, and explain how to represent OWL-DL constructs in ORM without losing semantics. We demonstrate this in a formal manner as much as possible. We show it is possible to convert most constructs, except for what are called property restrictions, and discuss the implications.

Authors: Dang Bui Bach, Robert Meersman, Peter Spyns, and Damien Trog , Vrije Universiteit Brussel {dbuibach,meersman,pspyns,dtrog}@vub.ac.be

The original paper is available from Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science : LNCS 4805 , November 2007

P09: Visualizing Formalisms with ORM Models

admin — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 19:09:18 GMT

Abstract. During the development of theoretical frameworks researchers often graphically represent formal textual notations as part of a developed theory. This may lead to enrichments and new insights regarding a theory. A possibility for graphical representation of formalisms is the utilization of modeling languages such as ORM. This paper deals with the technique of visualizing formalisms by using ORM models and shows the advantages of graphically representing a formal theoretical framework. An application of the approach that has already been successfully practised is elaborated. This application concerns a theoretical framework consisting of knowledge intensive task properties and shows how the approach to visualize formalisms with ORM can be materialized.

Authors: S.J. Overbeek 1, P. van Bommel 2, H.A. (Erik) Proper 2, and D.B.B. Rijsenbrij 2

1 e-office B.V., Duwboot 20, 3991 CD Houten, The Netherlands, EU Sietse.Overbeek@e-office.com 2 Institute for Computing and Information Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen, Toernooiveld 1, 6525 ED Nijmegen, The Netherlands, EU {P.vanBommel,E.Proper, D.Rijsenbrij}@cs.ru.nl)

The original paper is available from Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science : LNCS 4805 , November 2007

P02: A Meta-model for Ontologies with ORM2

admin — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 18:55:35 GMT

Abstract. Development of ontology development tools and ontology-enhanced software applications requires thorough understanding of ontology languages in order to implement them according to their specification. We present a formal specification of the ontologies part of the Web Services Modeling Language WSML documentation as a conceptual model in ORM2. Such an approach abstracts the semantics about ontological constructs, axioms, and properties from their implementation in arbitrary formats, thereby making the model easily understandable and reusable. This formal model in ORM2, which is understandable by both logician and software developer, can be used as any other conceptual model to develop applications, thereby ensuring smooth transition from theory to implementations that are faithful to the theory.

Authors: Christina Tziviskou (1) tzivisko@elet.polimi.it and C. Maria Keet(2) keet@inf.unibz.it (1) Politecnico di Milano, via Ponzio 34/5, 20124 Milano, Italy (2) Faculty of Computer Science, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Italy

The original paper is available from Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science : LNCS 4805 , November 2007

P16: Declarative Process Modeling with Business Vocabulary and Business Rules

admin — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:44:50 GMT

Abstract. A process modeling language is declarative when it explicitly takes into account the business concerns that govern business processes. In this paper, we show how business concerns can be modeled declaratively using a fact-oriented business vocabulary that allows to express sixteen different business rule types. In particular, we present the EMBrA 2CE Framework, an extension of the SBVR that allows for declarative process modeling.

Authors: Stijn Goedertier and Jan Vanthienen (stijn.goedertier,jan.vanthienen)@econ.kuleuven.be, Department of Decision Sciences & Information Management, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium

The original paper is available from Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science LNCS 4805, November 2007

P10: Object Role Modeling Enabled Metadata Repository

admin — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 18:34:47 GMT

Abstract. The classic definition of metadata is simply stated as data about data. Straightforward as it may be, this data can be very powerful. In this paper we will explore the possibility of how we can leverage metadata in a typical enterprise environment to produce efficiencies, increase data quality/confidence and improve business decision making. To set the stage we will briefly describe the environment depicted in the diagram below. Transactional systems will act as the source of data. As data flows down stream it often resides in a data warehouse, which supports Decision Support Systems (DSS). A data warehouse provides an analytical environment and acts as a repository for an organization’s historical data. From the warehouse the data lineage is continued as data marts are created down stream for specific reporting areas and as integration is built among the different analytical environments. The collection of data lineages, we will refer to as the Information Supply Chain (ISC). Metadata is the key enabler binding together the web of data in the ISC. This type of environment often presents a challenge - business users and system analysts struggle trying to fully understand the business rules, data lineage and business definitions of data terminologies. We propose using Object Role Modeling (ORM) to design and build a central metadata repository that supports the retention of data definitions and data lineage of the ISC plus other metadata properties required in a repository system to play an active role throughout the lifecycle of data from source to BI reporting. The metadata repository will hold the knowledge of the enterprise shareable systems and data and make it available at the conceptual level. We will leverage ORM and the centralized repository to produce the following key features:

• Model and build a metadata management system
• Extract metadata from ORM into the metadata repository
• Explore metadata based automation of data mart schemas and ETLspecifications
• Automate the code generation of stored procedures and class objects basedon metadata

The original paper is available from Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science LNCS 4805, November 2007

P11: Using ORM in an Ontology Based Approach for a Common Mapping Across Heterogeneous Applications

admin — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:28:30 GMT

Abstract. Enterprise application integration efforts face several impediments like: lack of common data semantics, conflicting or ambiguous meanings,homonymic usage, including non-existent documentation etc., resulting in massive duplications of master data—master data being defined as one common and true version of the truth in terms of client, customer, item, or mainstay entities for an organization. This use case demonstrates how ORM facilitated the definition of ontological bridges to establish and enable common mappings across disparate applications, which subsequently were realized in SQL based implementations that operate in a heterogeneous RDBMS environment. Using ISO 11179 ontological based entry points, the concept of ORM derived common mapping keys bridged across multiple applications enabled access to applications that contain data specialized in their subject area— enabling ondemand assembly and dynamic integration across stove-piped systems.

Author: Baba Piprani babap@attglobal.net SICOM, Canada

The original paper is available from Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science LNCS 4805, November 2007

P06: Industrial Experience with Fact Based Modeling at a Large Bank

admin — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 06:32:44 GMT

Abstract: In this article the author describes his experience in introducing fact orientation including high level business process descriptions, structured concept definitions, and operational level business process descriptions from which to generate the web application, in a project that is set up to develop a new contract administration for consumer credit in an international environment. This was done by dividing the TO-BE processes into a number of iterations.

Author: Jos Rozendaal jos.rozendaal@ucademy.nl UCademy, The Netherlands

The original paper is available from Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science : LNCS 4805 , November 2007

P19: Unifying Fact-Orientation - Panel Discussion

admin — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 20:51:20 GMT

This presentation was a contribution to the panel discussion about unifying fact-oriented approaches.

Author: Terry Halpin: terry@neumont.edu Neumont University, Utah, USA