learningforsustainability.netConceptual modelling for shared understanding
In broad terms, conceptual modelling is the process of developing a graphical representation (or model) from the real world. The conceptual modeller has to determine what aspects of the real world to include, and exclude, from the model, and at what level of detail to model each aspect. These decisions should generally be a joint agreement between the modeller and the problem owners i.e. the stakeholders who require the model to aid decision-making. The process of conceptual modelling requires decisions to be taken regarding the scope and level of detail of the model. It also requires assumptions to be made about the situation concerned. The conceptual models talked about below can also be thought of as non-software specific descriptions of the situation under inquiry - describing the objectives, inputs, outputs, content, assumptions and appropriate simplifications required. In this wider sense those making conceptual models may be facilitators helping groups of stakeholders better understand their situation. Some papers about conceptual modelling follow:
- Conceptual modelling: Knowledge acquisistion and model abstraction
This paper by Kathy Kotiadis and Stewart Robinson looks at the processes involved in arriving at a conceptual model. This paper contributes to this understanding by discussing the artifacts of conceptual modelling and two specific conceptual modelling processes:
knowledge acquisition and model abstraction. Knowledge acquisition is the process of finding out about the problem situation and arriving at a system description. Model abstraction
refers to the simplifications made in moving from a system description to a conceptual model. Soft Systems Methodology has tools that can help a modeller with knowledge acquisition and model abstraction. The use of these tools is discussed with respect to a case study in health
care. - Choosing the right model: conceptual modeling for simulation This paper by Stewart Robinson looks at what to include in the simulation model and what to exclude. The process of determining what to model is known as conceptual modeling. He acknowledges a balance in getting the right level of detail - make it too complex and it may not be possible to complete the model with the time and knowledge available, make it too simple and the results may not be sufficiently accurate. In this paper we explore conceptual modeling first with an illustrative example from a healthcare setting. Conceptual modeling, its artefacts and requirements are then defined. Finally, a framework for helping a modeler to
determine the conceptual model is briefly outlined.
- From conceptual model to simulation: A participatory process for development of a GIS-based decision support system for environmental management This paper by Martin Bunch addresses the development of the Cooum DSS, and focusses particularly on the link between the conceptual understanding of the Cooum system, and (1) representation of the system in the GIS database and (2) the operationalization of critical processes of the system logically and algebraically, such that the representation of the system in the GIS/DSS modules can be used to parametize a water quality simulation model. In was found that the process of developing a conceptual model, and attempting to represent this in the Cooum DSS has made the a significant GIS/EM4 - From conceptual model to simulation contribution to understanding the Cooum system and provided a much needed forum for open debate and exchange of information, in addition to developing a potentially useful tool for planners, managers and researchers in Chennai.
- Conceptual modelling: framework, principles, and future research The conceptual modelling stage in a simulation project is very important and yet is still generally regarded as more of an art than a science. In this paper Roger Brooks sets out some of his views on conceptual modelling. The meaning and nature of conceptual modelling are discussed and a framework set out. The overall aim should be to choose the best model for the project and conceptual modelling can be viewed as a difficult optimisation problem that can be tackled effectively using a creative search process that develops alternative models and predicts their performance throughout the project. Based on advice from the literature and personal experience 17 principles of conceptual modelling are suggested.
- Improving the understanding of conceptual modelling Conceptual modelling, determining what to include in the model and at what level of detail, affects model performance directly. However, it has so far received little attention in the literature mainly because conceptual modelling is viewed as more of an art than science. This paper by Wang Wang and Roger Brooks describes two preliminary studies on conceptual modelling. In the first study, data on the time spent on the different topics during a simulation project by an expert and by novice modellers was collected and analysed. The second study was an experiment to investigate the effects of different aspects of model complexity on the ease of understanding.
- Issues in Conceptual Modelling for Simulation: Setting a Research Agenda This paper by Stewart Robinson reviews isues in conceptual modelling. It argues that although conceptual modelling is one of the most vital aspects of a simulation study, it is - at the same time - probably the least understood. Based on a review of the literature a range of issues in conceptual modelling are discussed.These issues include: the definition of conceptual model(ling), conceptual model requirements, how to develop a conceptual model, conceptual model representation and communication, conceptual model validation, and teaching conceptual modelling. It is apparent that there is a need for further developments in all of these areas. As such, the issues provide a basis for a research agenda in conceptual modelling for simulation.
Conceptual models also provide a useful starting point for participatory or collaborative modeling efforts. They help different stakeholder groups establish a common language that facilitates more innovative planning and evaluation. Developing conceptual models is also a key step in developing indicators for sustainable and performance-based management. Another related page in this section provides a number of links outlining how to develop programme-based outcomes models, also called intervention logic models.