?LiveMethod: A Model and Infrastructure for Empowering Methods Use in Organisations

The effective use of methods in real organizational contexts is frequently hampered by factors including the complexity and size of comprehensive methods, difficulty choosing and applying methods correctly to diverse projects, communicating the necessary method fragments to practitioners in a user friendly way and managing the rapid evolution of the methods to meet changing business and technical requirements.

Based upon earlier work in modeling of methods as an evolving set of inter-related meta data containing definitions of method products, tasks and resources and prototypical tools for the capture, representation, integration, evolution and management of methods, this paper presents a model-based environment in which these concepts are extended to manage the deliverables themselves produced in accordance with the meta descriptions. The proposed approach also embodies the use of intranet technology to replace earlier closed tools as a means of making the methods and their products “live” to project teams and practitioners.

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?Beyond Use Cases

UML is widely accepted as a standard. It is competent in system level modeling and static structure analysis but lacks constructs for enterprise and business process modeling: areas which are vital for a competent technique: especially given the trend to use object technology to support enterprise engineering and implement value chains transcending organizational boundaries.

The author previously extended the Martin/Odell OOA/D methods to incorporate stakeholder, enterprise, value chain and business modeling techniques. In 1998, equivalent extensions were proposed to UML to cope with enterprise and business process modeling. The approach has since been refined through experience and has proven effective in supporting sustainable business engineering. This paper reports the results of this experience and proposes the replacement of Use Cases and other dynamic models within UML with process models which transition seamlessly from stakeholder to design level. The suggested notation represents a Use Case and Activity Diagram superset.

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?A Meta Model for Collaborative Enterprise Modelling

There is ample evidence to suggest that collaborative modeling offers significant advantages over modeling carried out by individuals. Collaborative modeling can be achieved by workshops and other interactive techniques. Recently there has been increasing interest in supporting collaborative modeling with web and repository based tools, especially where the desired participants are separated by distance and time zones and potentially language. This paper introduces and formalises some constructs and extensions to meta models (and meta meta models) which have been found useful in enhancing the usefulness of large scale collaborative modeling tools and the manageability of the models employed in support of enterprise architecture management. Issues addressed include: subject domain, ownership, authority, context, time, version, status, multiple opinions, user groups/roles, multiple languages and avoiding information overload.

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?The Difference Between Process Architecture and Process Modelling/Design (and why you should care)

A process perspective can assist organizations to deliver attractive products and services to clients and stakeholders, add value to the context in which they operate and facilitate their survival and prosperity in the face of competition.

Unfortunately, many process initiatives bog down in excessive detail and lengthy project durations leading to frustration and non-delivery. Quality sometimes suffers due to fatigue of the business participants or the volatility of the business which may change faster than the process modelling effort can track.

Over decades of practice in process and enterprise architecture (EA) work as well as analysis of techniques and EA frameworks, we have evolved an approach which separates process architecture from process modelling (detailed analysis and design) while keeping the two perspectives fully integrated and congruent. This paper argues for separation, illustrates how it can be done from a methods and representation perspective, and highlights benefits achievable.

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?Cooking up a MEAL: Creating a Meta Enterprise Architecture Language

This paper presents the case for, and work on, the creation of a Meta Enterprise Architecture Language (MEAL), realised as a domain specific language for the definition, population, maintenance, manipulation, representation and analysis of enterprise architecture models and meta models. The English-like textual language is intended as a high level API to architecture modeling and repository services, both for internal use within tools and external use between tools. Requirements for such a language are identified and work on a proof of concept implementation using the Squeak dialect of Smalltalk is described. A subset of the language syntax is presented. It is intended that the language, after initial proof of concept, will be placed in the public domain and eventually become a standard.

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?An Inspired Approach to Business Architecture

This paper discusses the definition and the scope of business architecture, its position and role in a business, and Inspired’s perspective on these, as well as capabilities for delivering comprehensive and competent business architecture. Differences from conventional practice include high awareness of the context in which the organisation operates, inclusion of many drivers and motivations, design of future business operating models and the use of an underlying and integrative meta model which allows distributed, collaborative, rapid architecture work to be carried out in an holistic and effective way. Overlap and integration with adjacent disciplines of strategy and programme management receive attention. Method tailoring is covered and supporting tools and training are also addressed.

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GLOSS - A Graphical Language Server on the Smalltalk Platform

Abstract

The Graphical Language Server Protocol/Platform (GLSP) has recently emerged as a potential standard for communication between web based graphical modelling clients and model servers. It extends the Language Server Protocol (LSP) developed to support web-based Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) communication with language processing tools (parsers, compilers, linters etc. ). Implementations of GLSP have been shown in Java/Javascript and TypeScript/Node. The authors previously developed a graphical modelling client working with a flexible server capable of handling many model types and realised in Smalltalk (Pharo client, VA Smalltalk server). This utilised a proprietary protocol based upon XML messaging. No GLSP server was available in Smalltalk. The paper describes the design and development of a GLSP server in Smalltalk and the insights gained. GLSP is contrasted with the earlier experience. Advantages of the Smalltalk environment are discussed, as well as suggested enhancements to the GLSP protocol. Future work is suggested.

Published in

IWST 24 - International Workshop on Smalltalk Technologies Lille, France

Integrated Meta Model for Enterprise Modelling including Strategy, Business Architecture, Risk and Change

Abstract

The paper describes the development of an integrated meta model capable of supporting a variety of approaches in strategy and business architecture, including TOGAF®, ArchiMate®, Zachman, MEMO, Inspired and others. It describes the sources of concepts, relationships and properties; the modelling approach and rationale and the resultant model, which has proven effective in support of multiple business transformation projects. The model integrates strategy, contextual factors and business architecture elements as well as interfacing to implementation architectures, enterprise risk and programme management. It leverages a multi-level meta modelling approach to overcome challenges of prior meta models. Advantages and challenges related to a large integrated model are discussed and suggestions made for dealing with these challenges.

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Enterprise Design and Engineering / Practice of Enterprise Modeling Forum, Vienna, Austria

An Advanced Meta-Meta Model for Visual Language Design and Tooling

Abstract

Visual Languages are widely employed in Enterprise Modelling. Our broader research aims to improve visual language design and facilitate rapid adaptation for specific purposes and audiences with a view to improving Return on Modelling Effort (ROME). Most current repositories and tools have hard coded support for notations and meta model concepts of target languages. A small number of tools have facilities to adapt meta models and notations, but these generally require high technical skills. The model described allows definition of arbitrary meta models and supporting notations in a relatively small meta meta model that can be practically implemented economically using property graph concepts. The model supports advanced concepts, including multi-level modelling. These capabilities facilitate tooling which supports rapid visual language definition, iterative improvement and run-time adaptation for purpose or audience.

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Models at Work @ Practice of Enterprise Modelling (PoEM), London, UK

Extending and Automating Maturity Models for More Value

Abstract

Maturity Models are widely used to quickly assess the status of a capability within organisations and to allow comparison across organisations and over time. The use of maturity models may be discouraged by friction of collecting the information, calculating ratings and managing the information over time. Value delivered is limited if only a rating results. Much higher value can be achieved if the models are extended to provide recommended actions and further still if such actions can be filtered by relative effort and sequenced to respect dependencies or resource constraints. Automation can remove friction and encourage use. This paper documents the creation of a generic meta model (domain model) for maturity models extended to support recommendations and their filtering and prioritisation. The meta model use is validated in a case showing rapid automation in a SaaS Enterprise Modeling platform. The paper concludes with considering the Return on Modelling Effort of this approach.

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Models at Work @ Practice of Enterprise Modelling (PoEM), London, UK

?A Method Engineering Workbench on the EVA Platform

Methods should assist organisations to produce desirable results more effectively, efficiently and reliably. Since method effectiveness is contingent on goals, setting, skills and other factors, method engineering is a critical activity: yet it is not well supported by tools in industry. This paper discusses an approach to and experience in creating a method engineering and deployment environment using a commercial enterprise modelling and knowledge management platform, viz.. Enterprise Value Architect (EVA).

The approach involves a competent meta model to describe methods in a generic way. Uniquely, it incorporates goals to shape method development and facilitate method tailoring for purpose, project and practitioner. The platform incorporates a unique “one page portal” for method exploration and tailoring. Quality assurance is emphasised to ensure (i) practitioners appreciate the risks of omitting method elements (ii) project designers, practitioners and reviewers share a common understanding of what is expected and how it will be validated. Challenges in organisational implementation are discussed.

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?Working Paper

?Facilitating Design and Use of Effective Visual Languages in Enterprise Modelling and Information Systems

Enterprise modelling and information systems work often relies heavily on graphical models expressed in visual languages to concisely capture, rigorously model and effectively convey meaning between stakeholders. Recent research has highlighted problems with the effectiveness of popular modelling notations. A physics of notations (PoN) was proposed to address these issues. Application of the PoN has not proven routinely successful. Models are often constructed by experts, but must be well received by non-experts to achieve their goals. This research contends that recent information from the fields of cognition, visualisation and graphic design can be exploited to enhance the return on modelling effort (ROME) and the value of models. Improved meta models, methods for visual language design and enhanced tools can support the definition and use of effective visual languages and the application of the PoN and derivatives.

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?Practice of Enterprise Modelling (PoEM), Doctoral Consortium Papers

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?Agility is a Stable Requirement

Change in technology, business and society is ever present and accelerating. It is very unlikely to slow down, thus it is a stable requirement. Our methods of doing strategy, devising future architectures and delivering systems capabilities in support of business processes, capabilities and delivery of services and products therefor need to address this.

A great deal of effort has been applied in Agile Methods over the past two decades to accelerate the system development process, i.e. doing things faster. No matter how quickly they deliver, however, these methods often produce something inflexible. This paper argues for a broader approach, which looks at: the context (much of the change required is outside the system delivery space; the focus (what should we be changing and why?); and three approaches to achieving the change with respect to system deliver: doing less things (de-scope, use packages, libraries, components, frameworks); do things faster (agile methods, automation, generation) and make more flexible things (runtime adaptable or domain model driven systems). The last of these is an unconventional approach that holds promise, even if you currently don’t practice, or succeed with, agile methods.

Finally, we also address the dilemma of accelerated delivery while dealing with large legacy application landscapes.

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A Business and Solution Building Block Approach to EA Project Planning

Many EA groups battle to establish an overall programme plan in a way that is integrated, achievable and understandable to the stakeholder and sponsor community as well as the downstream implementation groups, including: IT, Process Management, Human Resources and Product Management. This paper presents an approach that achieves these objectives in a simple way. The approach is currently being implemented in a fairly new enterprise architecture function within an aggressively expanding Telco with promising results. The problem is introduced and a solution including meta model and visual representations is discussed. Early findings are made to the effect that the technique is simple to apply as well as being effective in establishing shared understanding between the EA function, project sponsors, project stakeholders and IT personnel. The technique is explicated with an example that should make it easy for others to replicate in their own setting.

Published in

Proceedings of Practice of Enterprise Modeling (PoEM), Riga, Latvia