Embracing imperfection in enterprise models

Abstract

This dissertation proposes a novel approach for modeling and analyzing imperfect enterprise models. Based on this approach, enterprise models can include imperfect information and enterprise analysis might be performed on imperfect models. The proposed approach is based on a strategy for flexible modeling and metamodeling, which allows creating models that do not conform all the time to the metamodel of the modeling language and updating metamodels after starting the modeling process. This approach has been implemented in the iArchiMate platform, which uses ArchiMate as modeling language. iArchiMate serves for 1) creating automated analysis methods, 2) modeling imperfection, 3) studying the imperfection by measuring the level of imperfection of models and determining the level of adequateness of the imperfect model regarding desired analysis methods, and 4) performing business analysis methods using imperfect models