Conceptual Modeling Challenges for Model-Based Architecting and Software Engineering (MBASE)

The difference between failure and success in developing a software-intensive system can often be traced to the presence or absence of clashes among the models used to define the system’s product, process, property, and success characteristics. (Here, we use a simplified version of one of Webster’s definitions of “model” a description or analogy used to help visualize something. We include analysis as a form of visualization). Section 2 of this paper introduces the concept of model clashes, and provides examples of common clashes for each combination of product, process, property, and success models. Section 3 introduces the Model-Based Architecting and Software Engineering (MBASE) approach for endowing a software project with a mutually supportive base of models. Section 4 presents examples of applying the MBASE approach to a family of digital library projects. Section 5 summarizes the main conceptual modeling challenges involved in the MBASE approach, including integration of multiple product views and integration of various classes of product, process, property, and success models. Section 6 summarizes current conclusions and future prospects.