Reasoning over UML Models with Ambiguities

Ã–llerer, Franziska

Reasoning over UML Models with Ambiguities

by Franziska Ã–llerer

Abstract:

A software designer has the ability to define a system using the Unified Modeling Language (UML). However, a concept to document design decisions along the modelling process or to add and try different decisions is yet to be developed. This thesis introduces the Ambiguity Concept. This concept enables its user to add different design decisions, so called ambiguities, to design models. In addition, this thesis shows how a consistency checker can be employed to detect inconsistencies in a model with ambiguities. In addidion, the Ambiguitymanager, a plugin for the IBM Rational Software Architect is developed. The Ambiguitymanager can be used to add ambiguities to UML models and to conduct reasoning steps. Although all examples are realised with the UML, the Ambiguity Concept is applicable for any kind of modelling languages as long as they are based on a well-defined meta-model. Implementing a large case study in assistance with the Ambiguitymanager proved that the Ambiguity Concept is applicable to a huge number of model elements. The case study shows that the Ambiguitymanager offers the possibility to define optional elements instead of re-modelling entire model parts depending on a decision. Furthermore, with the Ambiguitymanager users can select particular model elements of a complex model and add certain ambiguities instead of re-modelling the whole diagram. In addition to the case study, the Ambiguitymanager and the Ambiguity Concept are evaluated in terms of perceptions resulting from the implementation of the case study.

Reference:

Franziska Ã–llerer, "Reasoning over UML Models with Ambiguities", Master's thesis, Johannes Kepler University (JKU), Linz, Austria, 2013.

Bibtex Entry:

@MastersThesis{Oellerer2013,
Title = {Reasoning over UML Models with Ambiguities},
Author = {Franziska Ã–llerer},
School = {Johannes Kepler University (JKU), Linz, Austria},
Year = {2013},

Abstract = {A software designer has the ability to define a system using the Unified Modeling
Language (UML). However, a concept to document design decisions along the
modelling process or to add and try different decisions is yet to be developed.
This thesis introduces the Ambiguity Concept. This concept enables its user to add
different design decisions, so called ambiguities, to design models. In addition, this
thesis shows how a consistency checker can be employed to detect inconsistencies
in a model with ambiguities.
In addidion, the Ambiguitymanager, a plugin for the IBM Rational Software Architect
is developed. The Ambiguitymanager can be used to add ambiguities to UML
models and to conduct reasoning steps. Although all examples are realised with the
UML, the Ambiguity Concept is applicable for any kind of modelling languages as
long as they are based on a well-defined meta-model.
Implementing a large case study in assistance with the Ambiguitymanager proved
that the Ambiguity Concept is applicable to a huge number of model elements. The
case study shows that the Ambiguitymanager offers the possibility to define optional
elements instead of re-modelling entire model parts depending on a decision.
Furthermore, with the Ambiguitymanager users can select particular model elements
of a complex model and add certain ambiguities instead of re-modelling the
whole diagram. In addition to the case study, the Ambiguitymanager and the Ambiguity
Concept are evaluated in terms of perceptions resulting from the implementation
of the case study.},
File = {:MSc Theses\\2013 Franziska Ã–llerer\\Ã–llerer - Reasoning over UML Modelswith Ambiguities.pdf:PDF},
Owner = {AK117794},
Timestamp = {2015.09.22}
}