Generic Layered Patterns for Business Modelling

TLDR

Business modelling in information systems relies on identifying essential business elements, often using patterns of inter‑related speech acts; Weigand et al. have proposed a layered architecture of such patterns. This paper proposes a framework of generic layered patterns for business interaction derived from Weigand’s meta‑pattern framework. The framework comprises five interdependent layers—business act, action pair, exchange, business transaction, and transaction group—each built upon the preceding layer.

Abstract

When developing information systems business modelling is needed in order to highlight the essentials of businesses. Patterns of inter-related speech acts are the basis for identifying essentials in Language/Action-oriented approaches for business modelling. Weigand et al. has made an attempt to conceptualise the notion of patterns in a layered architecture founded in such approaches. In this paper we present a framework of generic layered patterns for business interaction inspired by a critical examination of Weigand’s meta-pattern framework. Through our framework of interdependent layers of generic patterns based on solid foundations that transcends the notion of speech acts we are able to describe and understand short-termed and long-termed business interaction. The five layers of generic patterns are business act as the basic unit of analysis, action pair, exchange, business transaction, and transaction group. Each layer, except for the first one, is derived from lower layers.