Negotiating a Shared Conceptual Model using Groupware

This paper describes an approach that begins with asynchronously capturing individual conceptual models into separate knowledge-based systems using a technique known as Ripple-Down Rules. The rules are combined and used by Formal Concept Analysis to develop the group’s conceptual model thereby revealing common ground and differences between the stakeholders. As group process is offered which allows conflicts to be identified and resolved, where possible, using our negotiation strategies and resolution operators. The individual models are updated based on the negotiations and the cycle repeats. The end result over a number of iterations is a shared conceptual model.