Information Modelling: For Business And Beyond (Cura Viewpoints)

When faced with a problem it is often helpful to create a pictorial representation, whether that be an ad hoc sketch or one based on a standardised modelling method. This Viewpoint illustrates, describes and differentiates the various Information modelling techniques be they formalised or 'back of the envelope' techniques so that a more informed choice can be made as to which one to use.Any matter that one might decide to model will be bounded in some way by physical or mental constructs, i.e. it constitutes the system under consideration. There is also the need to communicate about the matter. The Viewpoint therefore commences by considering a model for communication and then addresses the broad systems movement itself. Types of systems - natural, engineered and social - are explained and exemplified. The focus of most problem-solving methods and methodologies is on objective and quantitative aspects to the detriment of subjective and qualitative issues. These issues may be more important factors to consider if a project is to be successful. The problem is compounded if, for example, there is uncertainty in the first place about what are the issues and concerns that need to be addressed. The Soft Systems Methodology is particularly suited to tackling such problems and is described and compared with 'hard' approaches such as systems engineering and operations research, while recognising that it may be beneficial to combine the use of different methodologies to achieve a useful outcome.The Viewpoint then addresses modelling techniques that have some formalised or standardised approach. These include highly structured approaches focused primarily on the development of computer software-based systems (for example the Universal Modelling Language UML) and data modelling whose requirements are not fully addressed by UML. Data modelling includes the development of conceptual and logical models and the process of data analysis and normalization, a detailed description of which is provided in an Appendix.To fully address business problems it is necessary to consider the processes that impact the data, not just the data in isolation. BPMN (business process modelling notation) aims to formalise process mapping. Data modelling and process modelling can be undertaken in a less formalised way using data flow diagrams and flow charts - these used in combination can provide a holistic approach to managing and controlling the dynamic nature of data and information in organisations.The Viewpoint then covers the extensive range of generalised or specialised techniques that have emerged such as mind mapping and concept mapping which have wide applicability and whose design is based on aspects of psychology or cognitive theories expounded by their developers. The examination of issues and the study of arguments as encountered in litigation, for example, can be portrayed visually. The different approaches that have been taken for mapping of arguments, evidence, issues and dialogue are described and contrasted. The Viewpoint ends with Sketchnotes a way of hand drawing visual records of ideas, speeches or books as they are listened to or read.A resources list provides additional sources of information to the various references that are cited throughout the book which includes over 40 figures illustrating the various modelling techniques.

• | Author: Bob Wiggins
• | Publisher: Independently Published
• | Publication Date: Apr 29, 2019
• | Number of Pages: 70 pages
• | Language: English
• | Binding: Paperback
• | ISBN-10: 1520829825
• | ISBN-13: 9781520829821