So far most studies in method engineering and metamodeling have evolved without
a thorough analysis of the underlying concepts and theories. Because of this,
different approaches are difficult to compare, terminology is confusing and
vague, and the underlying principles and goals of metamodeling are poorly
defined. Consequently, one part of the research time (a small part) has been
devoted to a follow-up of theoretical discussions of the principles of IS
modelling and metamodeling in different areas, including the work of the FRISCO
group (IFIP TC8 Task Group), and to clarifying the theoretical basis of
metamodeling.
In the MetaPHOR project the objectives for developing metamodeling theory are
as follows:
to investigate and assess theoretical principles in different areas pertinent
to metamodeling, including metasystems theory, logic and database and
information systems modelling,
to analyse the evolution of metamodeling principles and methodology in systems
development,
to examine the potential of object-oriented principles and hypertext systems
in developing next generation method engineering methods and tools.
Because of the workload and scheduling problems of the leader participants the
metamethodological paper is yet in working process.
The current working paper (Kerola and Lyytinen, 1992) will be fleshed out into
a full research paper. Moreover, the theoretical principles will be further
developed and critically examined in relation to the method engineering tests
carried out in the project.