Advancing Model Driven Architecture with Conceptual Modeling

MDA offers significant advantages in software development by enabling model transformations across multiple abstraction levels and even allowing software code to be derived from abstract models.

Wullschleger, Reto, 2025

Type of Thesis Master Thesis
Client
Supervisor Hinkelmann, Knut
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However, its practical adoption has been hindered by several obstacles. Key challenges include the difficulty of transforming computation-independent models (CIM) into platform-independent models (PIM), the absence of clear methodological guidance, the lack of well-defined notation usage guidelines, and the limited availability of effective tool support.
The methodology of this thesis is grounded in design science research, combining qualitative data from literature and practical workshops with theoretical analysis. Based on the main research question, an artefact was developed. Drawing on the identified research gap, a literature review was conducted, and its findings were validated using a practical example. This enabled the definition of requirements, which subsequently formed the basis for the solution design. The solution design was then implemented as a model and validated as part of the evaluation.
The solution design introduces a structured grid for applied models and for defining transformation rules. An ontology-based metamodel is derived from this grid, enabling the representation and transformation of model elements across multiple abstraction levels and notations. The transformation rules are specified and implemented, allowing evaluations, validations, and automated transformations using SHACL and SPARQL. A practical evaluation example from the domain of military administration demonstrates the application and assessment of the proposed approach. The results show that integrating conceptual modeling into MDA enables scalable and automated model transformations. Furthermore, models and their relationships can be validated and evaluated.Expert feedback confirms the potential for increased efficiency and consistency in model-driven software engineering, while highlighting the importance of reusable metamodels and the need for further research into tool support and cross-domain applicability.
Studyprogram: Business Information Systems (Master)
Keywords
Confidentiality: öffentlich
Type of Thesis
Master Thesis
Authors
Wullschleger, Reto
Supervisor
Hinkelmann, Knut
Publication Year
2025
Thesis Language
English
Confidentiality
Public
Studyprogram
Business Information Systems (Master)
Location
Olten