A procedural model for ontological analyses - Information Systems Foundations: Constructing and Criticising - page 153

13. A procedural model for ontological
analyses
Michael Rosemann, Centre for Information Technology In-
novation, Queensland University of Technology
Peter Green, UQ Business School, The University of
Queensland
Marta Indulska, UQ Business School, The University of
Queensland
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of ontological
analysis of conceptual modelling techniques. To date, related research explores the on-
tological deficiencies of classical techniques such as ER or UML modelling, as well as
business process modelling techniques such as ARIS or even Web Services standards
such as BPEL4WS, BPML, ebXML, BPSS and WSCI. While the ontologies that form the
basis of these analyses are reasonably mature, it is the actual process of an ontological
analysis that still lacks rigour. The current procedure is prone to individual interpreta-
tions and is one reason for criticism of the entire ontological analysis. This paper presents
a procedural model for ontological analysis based on the use of meta models, multiple
coders and metrics. The model is supported by examples from various ontological ana-
lyses.
Introduction
As techniques for conceptual modelling, enterprise modelling, and business process
modelling have proliferated over the years (e.g. Olle et al., 1991), researchers and prac-
titioners alike have attempted to determine objective bases on which to compare, evaluate,
and determine when to use these different techniques (e.g. Karam and Casselman, 1993;
Gorla et al., 1995) . However, throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and into the new millennium,
it has become increasingly apparent to many researchers that without a theoretical
foundation on which to base the specification for these various modelling techniques,
incomplete evaluative frameworks of factors, features, and facets will continue to prolif-
erate. Furthermore, without a theoretical foundation, one framework of factors, features,
or facets is just as justifiable for use as another (e.g. Bansler and Bodker, 1993).
Wand and Weber (1989; 1990; 1993; 1995) have investigated the branch of philosophy
known as ontology as a foundation for understanding the process of developing an in-
formation system. Ontology is a well-established theoretical domain within philosophy
dealing with identifying and understanding elements of the real world. However, interest
in, and the applicability of, ontologies today extends to areas far beyond philosophy.
As Gruninger and Lee (2002, p. 13) point out, '…a Web search engine will return over
64 000 pages given 'ontology' as a keyword … the first few pages are phrases such as
“enabling virtual business”, “gene ontology consortium”, and “enterprise ontology”.'