Real-world semantics of conceptual models

Conceptual modelling is the addition of more real-world semantics to the computations performed by a computer. It is argued that in a proper engineering approach to computing, three kinds of conceptual modelling need to be distinguished, (1) modelling a software solution, (2) modelling the domain in which it operates, and (3) modelling the impact of the software solution on the domain. Nearly 40 years of research in conceptual modelling has yielded a wealth of concepts and notations for conceptual modelling of the second variety, which we call domain-oriented. A summary and framework of these results are presented. Conceptual modelling of the third variety, which we call impact-oriented, has been developed less. A framework for this is provided too, and promising directions for impact-oriented conceptual modelling are identified