A Conceptual Modeling Methodology Based on Niches and Granularity
Conceptual Modeling - ER 2007, page 338--358. Springer, (2007)Abstract
This paper presents a methodology for conceptual modeling which is based on a new modeling primitive, the niche, and associatedconstructs granularity and reconciliation. A niche is an environment where entities interact for a specific purpose, playingspecific roles, and according to the norms and constraints of that environment. Granularity refers to the relative level ofpower or influence of an entity within a niche. Reconciliation is a relationship from N entities onto one reconciled entity,and represents explicitly a situation where two or more different perspectives of the same entity have been reconciled, bynegotiation, into a single consensus view. The methodology we propose provides a systematic method of designing conceptualmodels along with a process for normalising inappropriate relationships. Normalising is a prescriptive process for identifyingand remedying inconsistencies within a model based on granularities. Drawing on a number of case studies, we show how nichesand granularity make complexity easier to manage, highlight inaccuracies in a model, identify opportunities for achievingproject goals, and reduce semantic heterogeneity.