Conceptual model

Conceptual Models
– Conceptual models are valuable when they correspond well to a state of affairs.
– Conceptual models do not require real-world correspondence to be effective.
– Artificial intelligence uses conceptual models for expert systems and knowledge-based systems.
– Conceptual models can range from concrete mental images to abstract mathematical models.
– The variety and scope of conceptual models depend on the purposes of the users.

Concept Models and Conceptual Models
– Conceptual models represent expert opinion on what is true, not personal ideas.
– Conceptual modeling is the activity of describing aspects of the physical and social world.
– A conceptual model’s primary objective is to convey the fundamental principles and functionality of the system.
– Conceptual models enhance individuals’ understanding of the system.
– They facilitate efficient conveyance of system details between stakeholders.

Type and Scope of Conceptual Models
– Conceptual models can represent single things, whole classes of things, or vast domains of subject matter.
– The scope of conceptual models varies based on what they are meant to represent.
– Conceptual modeling is done to understand and communicate aspects of the world.
– The purposes of conceptual models determine their variety and scope.
– Conceptual models are used in system design and development.

Modeling Techniques
– Workflow modeling, workforce modeling, rapid application development, object-role modeling, and UML are common conceptual modeling techniques.
– Data flow modeling is a technique that graphically represents elements of a system.
– Entity-relationship modeling is used for software system representation, primarily in database models and information systems.
– The event-driven process chain is used to improve business process flows.
– Joint application development is a process for conceptually modeling a system’s life cycle.

Technique Evaluation and Selection
– Conceptual modeling methods can be purposefully vague to account for a broad area of use.
– The selection of a conceptual modeling technique depends on the specific requirements and goals of the project.
– Different techniques, such as data flow modeling, entity-relationship modeling, and state transition modeling, have different strengths and applications.
– Petri nets, also known as place/transition nets, are useful for modeling concurrent system behavior.
– State transition modeling uses state transition diagrams to describe system behavior and changes. Source:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conceptual_model