Modelling Ideas

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modelling ideas

veryard projects > modelling

we offer

scope

how we can help

available material

links

education, training and skills transfer

model reviews

information and advice on methods and tools

supporting materials - including patterns

Models provide a basis for assessment, analysis, planning, design and implementation.

We can model many different things, separately or together.

business relationships
market analysis
rules
intentions: goals, objectives, strategies, tactics
knowledge mapping
events, contingencies, risks
process/workflow
data, information, objects

Workshop: Modelling for SOA

Information Modelling Workshop

Information Modelling Resources

Modelling Principles

Modelling Purpose

Quality Criteria

Selected Modelling Languages

Models and Monsters - The Exception "Proves" the Rule

Modelling Material

veryard projects > modelling > materials

systems engineering for
business process change

model-based change - from AS-IS to TO-BE

from policy to procedure - the curious case of the Florida election

articulation

Data and Information Modelling

Object and Component Modelling

Rule Model

Process Model (pdf)

Knowledge Map

Enterprise Model

Business Relationships

Modelling History

And first with nicest skill and art,
Perfect and finished in every part,
A little model the Master wrought,
Which should be to the larger plan
What the child is to the man,
Its counterpart in miniature.

Longfellow, The Building of the Ship

Principles of Modelling

veryard projects > modelling > principles

	A model is a communication of structure and properties. It usually presents itself as representing something, either in the 'real' world, or in the intentions of people (managers or engineers, planners or designers). Sometimes a model merely represents itself.
	A model always has a scope, purpose and perspective. Sometimes these are stated explicitly. often they are implicit or assumed.
	Any model is an abstraction; that is, it ignores certain state variables of the system being modelled and represents other state variables. The criterion for deciding which state variables to represent is the perspective. Thus if a person wishes to use the model rather than the reality in order to ask questions concerning some property (or for some purpose) P because with respect to that property (or for that purpose) the model is as good as the reality, then P is the perspective of the model. Of course, this may be redefined and renegotiated during the project. Identification and confirmation of stakeholders is one important task.
	Formal models are expressed in a strict modelling language or notation. The vocabulary and grammar of this modelling language may themselves be expressed as a model, which software engineers usually call a metamodel. Such models are used for building support tools, such as diagramming tools and repositories.
	For many purposes, informal models are as good as formal models - indeed, sometimes better.
	All models leave things out. This is precisely what makes them useful - as long as you leave out the right things.

Modelling Purpose

veryard projects > modelling > purpose

What is a model for? At the most general level, there are four possible answers, based on zone theory.

	Modelling Zone	We are modelling because we enjoy modelling, and because that's what we're good at.
	Implementation Zone	'We are modelling because we want to alter cultural attitudes. When people see our models, their eyes will be opened. Thus the models will themselves trigger change.' (In other words, the existence of the model itself changes the situation, by altering attitudes or surfacing anxieties/assumptions.)
	Learning Zone	'We are modelling because we want to add to the stock of generalized and reusable knowledge.' (This motivation has three possible perspectives: an organizational perspective, an industry perspective or an academic perspective.)
	Planning Zone	'We are modelling because we want to take informed action. We intend to use these models to support design decisions, investment and procurement decisions, planning decisions.

Fuirthermore, the modelling process may have some beneficial features.

Where different stakeholders have different views of a situation, these differences can be represented and discussed.

Including something in a public model legitimizes it as a topic of discussion - the model itself 'contains' the anxiety of discussing taboo subjects.

Modelling is a way of exploring what the requirements might be, and whether such generated requirements fall within the scope of the system (as currently defined) or whether the scope has to be changed in order to encompass them.

The model supports or stimulates organizational learning, and also allows the participants/observers to develop knowledge that may be applicable elsewhere.

Modelling Quality

veryard projects > modelling > quality

What are the modellers aiming for? Apart from having a good scope, what else makes a good model?

Quality of end-product

	Correct	Accurately representing the enterprise, to the satisfaction of all interested parties. (This implies it is comprehensible to all interested parties.)
	Externally complete	Completely describing the enterprise, covering all required functionality
	Internally complete & consistent	No missing cross-references, no unused objects, etc. (Some aspects of this can be automatically checked by an appropriate modelling tool.)
	Well-documented	Adequate and meaningful descriptions of all objects
	Non-redundant	Only representing each fact/requirement once, without unjustified duplication or overlap between objects
	Coordinated	Consistent with architectures and policies, and with an appropriate level of consistency with other related models
	Stable	Capable of absorbing minor future changes to the enterprise without major changes to the model. (This characteristic is also known as resilience or robustness.)

Process quality criteria

	Ease of agreement by users of the model
	Ease of agreement by users of the design implications of the model
	Minimum 'thrashing' - i.e. going round in circles before agreement can be reached
	Minimum discovery of additional requirements or constraints when model is used. Few surprises during implementation
	Low maintenance costs of system (owing to changes in model)
	Maximum learning for participants and entire organization
	Efficient & effective - i.e. achieving a good result with a reasonable expenditure of time and energy

Our Modelling Services

veryard projects > modelling > services

	Modelling Masterclass	Advanced training for people who want to go beyond the basic notations and techniques.
	Model Reviews	Independent assessment of models with an expert eye.
	Changing Styles	Supporting the transition to a new style of modelling. Taking on new notations, new modelling tools, new ways of thinking. Converting or bridging old models into new forms, where appropriate.

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	Where different stakeholders have different views of a situation, these differences can be represented and discussed.
	Including something in a public model legitimizes it as a topic of discussion - the model itself 'contains' the anxiety of discussing taboo subjects.
	Modelling is a way of exploring what the requirements might be, and whether such generated requirements fall within the scope of the system (as currently defined) or whether the scope has to be changed in order to encompass them.
	The model supports or stimulates organizational learning, and also allows the participants/observers to develop knowledge that may be applicable elsewhere.