Summary:Metapattern is a powerful cutting-edge approach to large-scale information analysis and modeling. This highly focused analysis tool emphasizes reusability and—unlike other modeling approaches—structurally incorporates the elements of both time and multiple contexts. As a result, systems developed using the metapattern approach exhibit the adaptability and extended life cycle critical to the survival of systems in the upcoming information age. The metapattern is also valuable for aligning complex and variable requirements, even across a multitude of organizations with different processes.
Written by its originator, Metapattern: Context and Time in Information Models introduces the technology and eases the learning curve with clear explanations, practical examples, and numerous illustrations. This book explains the fundamental metapattern concepts of context and intext, along with type, time, and compositions. In particular, it discusses how the recognition of multiple contexts results in a powerful approach to conceptual information modeling. A large-scale case study also demonstrates how the metapattern approach can be applied to a financial accounting system and other real-world applications.
To help readers build on familiar territory, Metapattern compares the metapattern approach with object-oriented analysis and modeling, offering metapattern alternatives that demonstrate its richness in providing context-oriented solutions. In addition, the author reviews major established design patterns in data modeling, analysis, and business process engineering, and shows how the metapattern provides a frame of reference forunderstanding, accommodating, and transcending these patterns. He also provides powerful modeling heuristics that take into account plurality through the definition of context, and by doing so, bring consistency and uniformity to information systems.
Table of Contents: Preface. Introduction. I. DESIGN OF THE METAPATTERN.
1. Contexts. Contexts with Object.
On Instances and Types.
Object with Contexts.
On Reality and Information Objects.
Recursiveness in Context.
Boundary.
Relative Determination of Context and Object.
Characteristic Difference Between Approaches.
Multiple Contexts.
Unique Nodes.
Object Identity.
Identity as a Network of Nodes.
2. Intexts. Objects in Context.
Intext in Context.
Precision Versus Ambiguity.
Primitive Information Objects.
Pointer Information Objects.
Intermediary Information Objects.
Intermediary Character of Context.
Range for Object Identity.
Context-Oriented Normalization.
3. Types. Node as Type.
Context as Type.
Typical Generalization.
Relational Typing.
Node Selection.
Relationship Selection.
Tailor-Made Typing.
A Different Inheritance.
Strong Polymorphism.
Behavioral Forms and Encapsulation.
4. Time. Time-Based Relationships.
Starting Time of Effect.
From Existence to Value.
Time-Based Information Objects.
Variations in Time.
A Change of Nil Identity.
Audit Trail.
Metapattern as Infrastructure.
Past and Future.
5. Compositions. Homogeneous Classification Hierarchy.
Cartesian Product.
Double Compositions.
Inheritance through Composition.
Conclusion on Design.
II. CONCEPTUAL SOLUTIONS.
Conceptual Model and Implementation Considerations.
Navigational Guidelines.
Type-on-Context.
The Relative Nature of Unification.
7. Discussion. Context-Oriented, Multi-Layered Typing.
From Power Type to Type-on-Context.
Structural Operations.
Contextual Principle.
8. Dynamics. Contextual State at Specific Time.
Dynamic, Multiple Typing.
Add as a Single Basic Operation.
Characteristic Modeling Paradigm.
Intext with Static and Dynamic Properties.
9. Emphasis. Degree of Freedom and Purity.
Structural Set for Specification of Aggregates.
Rule, No Exception.
Limitation of Patterns by Metapattern.
Context: Background at Foreground.
Conclusion on Alternative Solutions.
Afterword on Context.
III. PATTERN ANALYSIS AND DESIGN.
Monumental Scope.
Company and Factory Context.
Primary Requirement.
Bill of Materials, Source, and Destination.
Transformations.
Types and Instances Revisited.
Positional Instances.
Fundamental Variety.
11. Alternatives. Serial Size.
Timing and Scheduling.
Production Series.
The End of Reviewing.
12. Positions. Introduction.
A Play of Positions.
An Extended Space for Relationship Management.
Connectivity.
Explicit Relationships.
Analysis and Synthesis.
13. Publications. Short Comments.
Contractual Positions.
Radical Simplicity through Inherent Mechanisms.
Content and Form.
Subject Classification.
A Single Idea about Contents.
From Creation to Publication.
Dynamic Publications.
Summary.
14. Trails. From Related Pairs to Context.
Operational Knowledge.
Almost Positions.
Authorization.
Phenomena in Observation Objects.
Thesaurus.
Indexing.
Standardized Time Management and Control.
15. Nails. Pattern Transfer.
Basic Operations of the Metapattern.
General Ledger for Accountability.
Conclusion on Analysis and Design.
IV. A CASE OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING.
Prototype for Interpretation Management.
System of Systems.
Dimensions and Phases.
Primary Dimension.
Related Accounts.
Intersystem Relationships.
Subject Classification of Transactions.
Accounts.
17. Variety. Positional Accounting Systems.
Configuration Management.
Constituting Elements of Account.
Positional Exchange Rate Types.
Defaults for Entries.
Conclusion on Case.
V. METAPATTERN AND PLURIFORMITY.
First Priority: Differences.
Second Priority: Similarites.
Boundary-Crossing Information Services.
Technological Developments.
Fifth Hypothesis.
Appendix A: Multicontextualism. Appendix B: An Alliance of Metamodels. Metapattern Meets RM-ODP.
Bibiliography. Index.
