Formalizing the four-layer metamodeling stack with MetaMorph: potential and benefits

• DOI: 10.1007/s10270-022-00986-2
• Publication Date: 2022-03-25T05:03:08Z
• Authors: Victoria Döller
• Keywords: Metamodeling; Formalism (music); Interleaving

Abstract Enterprise modeling deals with the increasing complexity of processes and systems by operationalizing model content linking complementary models languages, thus amplifying value beyond mere comprehensible pictures. To enable this amplification turn into computer-processable structures, a comprehensive formalization is needed. This paper presents formalism MetaMorph based on typed first-order logic provides perspective potential benefits that arise for variety research issues in conceptual modeling. defines languages as formal signature $$\varSigma $$ <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"><mml:mi>Σ</mml:mi></mml:math> —comprising object types, relation attributes through types function symbols—and set constraints. Four case studies are included to show effectiveness approach. Applying next level hierarchy models, we create , language metamodels. We self-describing therefore complete full four-layer metamodeling stack. On basis our generic applicable arbitrary examine four current topics—modeling power interleaving &amp; consistency, operations automatic translation formalizations platform-specific code—and how approach them formalism. shows rich knowledge stack offers new tools old problems.