Using UML in Conceptual Modeling:

Although it is widely accepted that UML could be used both for modeling software and the problem domain that is supported by an information system, its suitability for the latter in the early development phases has been questioned. Also, it is argued by many researchers that early development phases are critical for successful and cost efficient information system development. In view of this, we propose to develop an UML-like modeling language based on ontology that can be viewed as a UML core suitable for conceptual modeling. In this paper, we focus on evaluating the notions of type and role using Bunge’s ontology and OntoClean methodology, and show significant implications for our understanding on how to use types and roles in UML and conceptual modeling. These results represent the first stage in developing our ontological UML conceptual modeling core which is expected to address many issues with respect to ambiguity, inconsistency, inadequacy, and complexity in the current UML specification, and provide the foundation needed to develop better conceptual models for systems development.