On the role of conceptual schemas in information systems development

Abstract

In the literature, the role of Conceptual Schemas (CS) and conceptual modelling in Information Systems (IS) development is not well established. On the other hand, there is some confusion over the relationships between CSs and similar concepts such as domain model, domain knowledge, functional specifications and ontologies. This paper tries to shed light on these issues. We show that a CS is the knowledge needed by an IS to perform its functions. We then analyse the possible roles of CSs in the IS architecture, which range from specification to explicit software component. We also show the role of CSs in the context of the recent OMG’s MDA. The paper focuses on ISs, but most of the conclusions may apply to the general field of software.