Authors: Andrew Burton-Jones, Kate Lazarenko, Ron Weber
Tags: 2011, conceptual model, ER Model, ontology, semantics
Systems analysts and information modelers create conceptual models to describe and document the semantics associated with the domain to be supported by an information system. These models typically are generated using a semi-formal grammar that provides constructs for representing semantics and rules for employing and combining the constructs. In this research in progress, we study two widely used conceptual modeling constructs–namely, relationships with attributes and recursive relationships. Although both constructs might be useful for some modeling purposes, they also suffer from a number of limitations that currently are not well understood. We describe these limitations and recommend that modelers avoid using both constructs when an accurate and complete understanding of a domain’s semantics is critical. We also provide alternative ways to model a domain’s semantics that have the purpose of overcoming the limitations associated with these constructs. These alternatives are motivated by prior research in the conceptual modeling area on classification and optional properties. They involve clarifying variations in semantics associated with different classes of things. These variations in semantics arise from natural or social laws that operate in a domain.
Cite as:
Burton-Jones A., Lazarenko K., and Weber R. (2011). “Problems with Relationships with Attributes and Recursive Relationships in Conceptual Models,” in AIS SIGSAND, Bloomington, IN , United States, June 3-4, 2011.
