Computer{supported Cooperative Conceptual Modeling

Conceptual models of information systems emerge as the result of cooperation among diierent user groups. There are however few research eeorts focused on providing collaboration support for this activity. This thesis aims at suggesting methods and tools originating from CSCW research eld for supporting collaborative conceptual modeling. A framework for studying collaboration support for user participation in conceptual modeling is presented. Some experiences gained from a real world development project are pointed out. The role of the WWW as an enabling technology for supporting diierent forms of user involvment in conceptual modeling is outlined. Development of large computer{based information systems is a complex process. One important part of this process is the construction of a conceptual model. A large amount of research in the area of IS development is devoted to developing mechanisms and methods for constructing conceptual models that give an agreed{upon picture of the reality, and that are technically convertible to computer systems. CSCW (Computer{Supported Cooperative Work) has been established as a research eld in the recent years, with a focus on the construction of computer systems for supporting cooperation among people (Schmidt and Bannon 1992). CSCW systems, often called groupware (Ellis, Gibbs and Rein 1991), are developed to support diierent aspects of cooperative work, in most cases with a focus on the activities of small groups. The problem area of this thesis is to identify the possible role that CSCW can play in conceptual modeling, and to suggest methods and/or systems for supporting this activity based on research originating from the CSCW eld.