A Framework for Natural Enterprise Modelling

Abstract

Within enterprise modelling, models are typically needed for a range of different purposes, ranging from vision and strategy development to computer-aided analyses. It is well known that model's content and form need to be adapted to its purpose. This typically concerns the tuning in terms of granularity, visualisation, precision and formality of the model, as well as in terms of the concepts/language in which the model is expressed. However, typical modelling tools lack such support. A number of empirical observations points at a lack in flexibility of tools and underlying modelling languages to aptly fit the needs of specific modelling situations. For instance, it is observed that fixed metamodels make it difficult to align the language with e.g. organisation-specific domains/concerns. This often leads to the different levels of discipline in which a fixed modelling language is obeyed to, or even the use of home-grown notations instead of fixed standard ones. Likewise, to compensate the lack of flexibility in dedicated modelling tools, classical drawing tools or paper are used as modelling support. Once models created this way transition to the more formal tasks, a lot of redundant work and increased effort is needed to ensure consistency and coherence among different enterprise models. As a result of an ongoing research, this paper discusses the need to adapt the models and modelling environments to specific modelling situations. In particular, we explore the concept of natural enterprise modelling, as a strategy for enabling the flexibility while also ensuring the coherence in modelling. We also sketch potential high level design of a flexible modelling infrastructure supporting natural enterprise modelling, and indicate some promising future research directions.