A framework for the constitution of modelling processes: A proposition

Given that the quality of models significantly affects the outcome of their application, it is important to reflect on the process by which they are actually constructed. This is addressed by the proposed Framework for the Constitution of Modelling Processes, which is presented here along with a few examples of its practical application. This framework is founded on Projective Constructivist Epistemology and provides a generic description of modelling processes, including their purpose, behaviour and structure. The framework may serve as a meta-model for the understanding, classification, use and development of the many different contributions to the field of modelling. Over the past five years, the framework has been actively researched, developed and applied in a variety of practical contexts, including the public, military and business sectors.

[1]  Russell L. Ackoff,et al.  Scientific Method: Optimizing Applied Research Decisions , 1962 .

[2]  Michael Jackson,et al.  Systems methodology for the management sciences , 1992 .

[3]  H. Simon,et al.  From substantive to procedural rationality , 1976 .

[4]  Werner Ulrich,et al.  Critical heuristics of social systems design , 1987 .

[5]  Hans Eriksson,et al.  Business Modeling With UML: Business Patterns at Work , 2000 .

[6]  P. Berger,et al.  The Social Construction of Reality , 1966 .

[7]  P. Checkland.  From framework through experience to learning: The essential nature of action research , 1991 .

[8]  L. Steffe,et al.  Constructivism in education. , 1995 .

[9]  Le Moigne,et al.  La théorie du système général : théorie de la modélisation , 1984 .

[10]  Jean-Louis Le Moigne.  La Modelisation des Systemes Complexes , 1990 .

[11]  A. Adam.  Whatever happened to information systems ethics? Caught between the devil and the deep blue sea , 2004 .

[12]  Herbert A. Simon,et al.  Prediction and Prescription in Systems Modeling , 1990, Oper. Res..

[13]  Peter Checkland,et al.  Soft Systems Methodology in Action , 1990 .

[14]  Darek M. Eriksson,et al.  A principal exposition of Jean-Louis Le Moigne's systemic theory , 1997 .

[15]  John Holt,et al.  Critical Systems Thinking: Directed Readings , 1992 .

[16]  John Mingers,et al.  Critical Heuristics of Social Planning: A New Approach to Practical Philosophy , 1983 .

[17]  Ann Taket,et al.  Diversity Management: Triple Loop Learning , 1996, J. Oper. Res. Soc..

[18]  M. Hult,et al.  TOWARDS A DEFINITION OF ACTION RESEARCH: A NOTE AND BIBLIOGRAPHY , 1980 .

[19]  G. Susman,et al.  An Assessment of the Scientific Merits of Action Research. , 1978 .

[20]  K. Boulding.  General Systems Theory---The Skeleton of Science , 1956 .

[21]  Ann Taket,et al.  Creative Problem Solving: Total Systems Intervention. , 1991 .

[22]  Jean Piaget,et al.  L'épistémologie génétique , 1970 .

[23]  William E. Lorensen,et al.  Object-Oriented Modeling and Design , 1991, TOOLS.

[24]  Edgar Morin,et al.  La méthode. 1 : La Nature de la Nature , 1977 .

[25]  J. Alexander,et al.  Images of Organization , 1988 .

[26]  H. Maturana,et al.  The Tree of Knowledge: The Biological Roots of Human Understanding , 2007 .

[27]  P. Checkland,et al.  Action Research: Its Nature and Validity , 1998 .

[28]  K. Lewin.  Frontiers in Group Dynamics , 1947 .

[29]  Darek M. Eriksson.  Multi‐modal investigation of a business process and information system redesign: a post‐implementation case study , 2001 .

[30]  John Mingers,et al.  Multimethodology : the theory and practice of combining management science methodologies , 1997 .

[31]  Ivar Jacobson,et al.  The Unified Modeling Language User Guide , 1998, J. Database Manag..

[32]  John P. van Gigch,et al.  System Design Modeling and Metamodeling , 1991 .

[33]  J. Mackie,et al.  Ethics: Inventing Right and Wrong , 1977 .

[34]  J. Mingers.  Systems Typologies in the Light of Autopoiesis: A Reconceptualization of Boulding's Hierarchy, and a Typology of Self-referential Systems , 1997 .

[35]  S. Gass,et al.  Encyclopedia of Operations Research and Management Science , 1997 .

[36]  P. Clark.  Action research and organizational change , 1972 .

[37]  J. Piaget.  Logique et connaissance scientifique , 1967 .

[38]  Anders G. Nilsson,et al.  The Business Developer’s Toolbox: Chains and Alliances between Established Methods , 1999 .

[39]  Ivar Jacobson,et al.  The Unified Software Development Process , 1999 .

[40]  Fred H. Blum,et al.  Action Research--A Scientific Approach? , 1955, Philosophy of Science.

[41]  E. Glasersfeld.  Radical Constructivism: A Way of Knowing and Learning. Studies in Mathematics Education Series: 6. , 1995 .

[42]  Michael Foster.  An Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Action Research in Work Organizations , 1972 .

[43]  J. Searle.  The Construction of Social Reality , 1997 .

[44]  Jamshid Gharajedaghi,et al.  Reflections on systems and their models , 1996 .