Ulrich Frank

This paper presents a case study comprising the analysis and transformation of a large flat object model into a multi-level model. To support the transformation, a corresponding method is introduced and applied. The resulting multi-level model is evaluated against the original requirements as well as with regard to further aspects.

Associations represent an essential concept of multi-level models. While it is obvious that allowing for an unrestricted number of classification levels of objects is beneficial, associations are usually defined at one level only. There are, however, reasons to enable the definition of association types. Against the background of the explanation of these reasons, we analyze requirements for the semantics of association meta-types and the functionality of corresponding tools. Subsequently, an extension of the FMML^X metamodel is presented that forms the foundation of the implementation of association meta-types. Despite being focused on the FMML^X and the XModeler^ML©, it should also serve as an orientation for respective extensions of other multi-level languages and modeling environments. The concept and its implementation are evaluated against the requirement and compared to related work.

This expert voice paper presents a comprehensive rationale of multi-level modeling. It aims not only at a systematic assessment of its prospects, but also at encouraging applications of multi-level modeling in business information systems and at providing a motivation for future research. The assessment is developed from a comparison of multi-level modeling with object-oriented, general-purpose modeling languages (GPMLs) and domain-specific modeling languages (DSMLs). To foster a differentiated evaluation, we propose a multi-perspective framework that accounts, among others, for essential design conflicts, different types of users, as well as economic aspects. Besides the assessment of the additional abstraction offered by multi-level modeling, the evaluation also identifies specific drawbacks and remaining challenges. Based on the results of the comparative assessment, in order to foster the adoption and further development of multi-level modeling, we discuss the prospects of supplementing multi-level modeling languages with multi-level programming languages and suggest possible dissemination strategies customized for different groups of users. The paper concludes with an outline of future research.

Based on a critical account of the dominant concept of theory, the paper presents an alternative, wider notion of theory. It is motivated by the need to cope with a contingent research subject and the assumption that IS should provide an orientation for managing the digital transformation. Unlike neopositivistic notions of theory, the proposed conception is not restricted to descriptions of the factual, but may be aimed at designing possible future worlds. Conceiving of possible future worlds requires overcoming the barriers created by language that constitutes our idea of the present world. The paper discusses the resulting methodological challenges and outlines how they might be addressed.