OPERATIONALIZING MODELING KNOWLEDGE IN TERMS OF PREDICATE CALCULUS

This chapter discusses an approach that involves the construction of an AND/OR graph (a role structure) that is specific to some given problem. This contrasts with the earlier approach of interpreting a database and its schema as a global role structure, from which a specific role structure(s) can be extracted for a given problem. The chapter describes the dynamic approach conceptually, as involving the grafting of fragments of modeling knowledge. Each fragment is specified in terms of the AND/OR graph terminology and the organizational role framework. This approach has some similarities with aspects of the STRIPS and BDL systems. The chapter also explains the way by which the grafting of AND/OR fragments into an AND/OR tree can be operationalized in terms of first-order predicate logic and the resolution principle. Flexible report generation can be provided by a subpool of report generation modules that is subject to facile updating. The chapter presents the skeleton of a methodology for automatic model formulation and utilization.