The meta-model hierarchy: a framework for information systems concepts and techniques

The numerous information systems design methods and specification techniques being proposed, can be compared on the basis of different criteria. In this paper a framework for ordering information systems modelling techniques based on meta models is proposed. This framework, called the Meta Model Hierarchy, positions each technique according to an analysis of the distinctions between the basic concepts, and the set of constraints defined on these concepts. Relations between meta models are distinguished: partitioning, restriction, and degeneration. Each modelling technique is then positioned in the Meta Model Hierarchy according to these order relations. The positioning of Entity-Relationship Modelling, NIAM and Petri-nets in the Meta Model Hierarchy is discussed as an illustration of the use of the approach. 1 The investigations were partly supported by the Foundation for Computing Science in the Netherlands (SION) with financial support from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO). 2 Department of Information Systems, University of Nijmegen, Toernooiveld 1, NL-6525 ED Nijmegen, The Netherlands. 3 Department of Computer Science, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, NL-7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands. 1

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