Pentti Marttiin

MetaEdit: a flexible graphical environment for methodology modelling

Existing CASE tools are often rigid and do not support the users native methodologies. To alleviate this, more flexible and customisable tools called CASE shells are emerging. However, the customisation of those tools is still cumbersome and error-prone, and demands several configuration files that follow a rigid syntax of some metamodelling language(s). In order to make the customisation easier, we propose a graphical metamodelling editor, MetaEdit, with which the conceptual structures of the user methodology can be modelled easily using an easy-to-grasp graphical notation. With MetaEdit, methodology models can be constructed with less effort and the configuration files for the CASE shell can be created (semi)automatically. The tool is flexible i.e. its symbols and metamodel are user-definable. In consequence it can be used as a simple CASE shell. MetaEdit is based on the Object-Property-Role-Relationship (OPRR) data model. The paper presents the principles on which the editor is built, describes its operation, and discusses its relations to other research on metamodelling.

A comparative review of CASE shells: a preliminary framework and research outcomes

Abstract Because of rigidity and weak support of the users native methods and methodologies in existing CASE tools, there is a growing need for customizable CASE tools (CASE shells). The nature of CASE shells is different from ordinary CASE tools supporting a fixed set of methods. With CASE shells, organizations can define tools to support their own methods, instead of choosing a tool that supports them. Existing CASE shells have different features and architectural principles that make them appropriate for different tasks. Obviously, a framework for comparing them is needed. In this paper we develop one such framework. It takes into account different tasks in customization and the effectiveness of carrying out these tasks. We apply the framework to compare three CASE shells. We use the SMARTIE method as an example of some characteristics of current CASE shells, and suggest some future research directions.

Towards Flexible Process Support with a CASE Shell

CASE technology for improving information systems development (ISD) is mostly based on the creation and verification of IS models using a fixed set of techniques. However, ISD is a complex activity, which requires well selected and suited methodologies and development practices for different situations. This calls for CASE shells (metaCASE environments) in which the methodologies can be tailored. Further, the quality of produced deliverables (e.g. specifications and models) is dependent on the development process. The focus of this paper is on integrating a flexible process support into a CASE shell. The ISD process is specified using a graphical process model, the purposes of which are the guidance and coordination of various activities, and the management of the IS deliverables produced during the development. In this paper process modeling requirements are discussed, and the methodology engineering — especially the process modeling — process using a CASE shell is described.

An integrated model for information systems modeling

A metamodeling method for modeling information systems development (ISD) methodologies is described. By using the method in a configurable modeling tool, like a metasystem or a CASE shell, a tool that allows ISD methodologies for computer-aided environments can be obtained. By applying the proposed method in modeling methodologies, it is demonstrated that a specific ISD methodology can be modeled. The suggested metamodels cover both the static and the dynamic parts of the methodology. The static part is included in the dynamic meta-datamodel, and the dynamic part in activity and agent models. Several available alternatives for describing the ISD methodology are discussed. It is shown how the presented metamodeling method can be improved in order to better capture the structural properties of methodologies.<<ETX>>

Process support in MetaCASE: implementing the conceptual basis for enactable process models in MetaEdit+

This study concerns the support of information system analysis and design process in a metaCASE environment. We see a process as highly, evolutionary and unstructural in nature, thus requiring the tailorability of user process models and their conceptual basis, process modelling language (PML). In addition to the flexibility needed for guiding various system developers, the CASE environment needs to be enacted using strictly defined environment actions. A distinction between user and environment processes is made, hence distinguishing also their conceptual basis and modelling requirements. The study depicts the realisation of the basic concepts and tools required in modelling a PML and the integration of user and environment process models in a metaCASE environment called MetaEdit+. The concepts and tools introduced aid in providing full customisability for a project to adapt its own PML for designing enactable process models. Finally, we briefly assess the benefits and weaknesses of our approach, and present our ongoing and future work related to this paper.