Informatica

The paper deals with the causality perspective of the Enterprise Architecture (EA) frameworks. The analysis showed that there is a gap between the capabilities of EA frameworks and the behavioural characteristics of the real world domain (enterprise management activities). The contribution of research is bridging the gap between enterprise domain knowledge and EA framework content by the integration of meta-models as part of EA structures. Meta-models that cover not only simple process flows, but also business behaviour, i.e. causality of the domain, have been developed. Meta-models enable to create a layer of knowledge in the EA framework, which ensures smart EA development, allows validation of developer decisions. Two levels of the enterprise causal modelling were obtained. The first level uses the Management Transaction (MT) framework. At the second level, deep knowledge was revealed using a framework called the Elementary Management Cycle (EMC). These two causal frameworks were applied here to justify the causal meta-models of the EA. The new concepts Collapsed Capability, Capability Type and Capability Role which meaningfully complement MODAF with causal knowledge are introduced. Strategic Viewpoint (StV) modelling using causal meta-models is described in detail and illustrated in the case study. The example provided shows a principled way that causal knowledge supports the verification and validation of EA solutions. The presented method provides an opportunity to move the EA development to smart platforms.

The paper deals with the causality driven modelling method applied for the domain deep knowledge elicitation. This method is suitable for discovering causal relationships in domains that are characterized by internal circular causality, e.g. control and management, regulatory processes, self-regulation and renewal. Such domains are organizational systems (i.e. enterprise) or cyber-social systems, also biological systems, ecological systems, and other complex systems. Subject domain may be of different nature: real-world activities or documented content. A causality driven approach is applied here for the learning content analysis and normalization of the knowledge structures. This method was used in the field of education, and a case study of learning content renewal is provided. The domain here is a real world area – a learning content is about. The paper is on how to align the existing learning content and current (new) knowledge of the domain using the same causality driven viewpoint and the described models (frameworks). Two levels of the domain causal modelling are obtained. The first level is the discovery of the causality of the domain using the Management Transaction (MT) framework. Secondly, a deep knowledge structure of MT is revealed through a more detailed framework called the Elementary Management Cycle (EMC). The algorithms for updating the LO content in two steps are presented. Traceability matrix indicates the mismatch of the LO content (old knowledge) and new domain knowledge. Classification of the content discrepancies and an example of the study program content analysis is presented. The main outcome of the causality driven modelling approach is the effectiveness of discovering the deep knowledge when the relevant domain causality frameworks are applicable.

Model-driven IS engineering methods invoke the IS application domain modelling methods to acquire essential characteristics of organizational systems (enterprises). Business modelling for value creation is a relatively separate area, meanwhile it correlates with the IS application domain modelling methodologies and gives new insights for enhancement of enterprise modelling, business process modelling and BP management modelling approaches. The IS application domain and the business domain modelling are not isolated and could be investigated using the same paradigm of modelling. Yet there is some uncertainty in model-driven approaches towards the understanding of the enterprise management activities. A problematic consistency of modelling approaches indicate a need for a systemic analysis of IS application domain modelling concepts. The internal modelling paradigm is used for analysis of an enterprise management activity as a self-managed system, and hereby the lack of the conceptual basis for domain modelling in IS engineering is determined. This approach is aimed to reveal hidden information transactions of the business management activities. The understanding of the IS application domain as a self-managed system allowed to redefine such concepts as management transaction, management function and enterprise process. The metastructure of management transaction is defined and illustrated for business management layer and IS development layer.