CONCEIVING A METHOD FOR VIEWPOINT-BASED MODELING USING RECOMMENDER SYSTEMS IN A MULTIPLE-USER ENVIRONMENT - CONCEPTUAL APPROACH AND PROOF-OF-CONCEPT

This paper conceives a viewpoint-based modeling method that applies the concept of viewpoints to collaborative modeling to foster the incorporation of multiple stakeholders. In collaborative modeling settings, problems like low model acceptance among involved stakeholders are typical du to their limited understanding of the overall model or system to be developed. The conceived viewpoint-based modeling method aims at solving such problems by introducing and using stakeholder-specific viewpoints on collaboratively created models. In doing so, the viewpoint concept facilitates and improves the involvement of multiple stakeholders from different domains into the collaborative modeling process. To effectively distribute and coordinate modeling activities among all participants, the method utilizes the concept of recommender systems with the eventual goal to end up with a consolidated, conflict-free model that has been collectively constructed. Besides the development of the viewpoint-based modeling method, the paper at hand ”following design science research ”additionally presents its Proof-of-Concept by means of a prototypical implementation and an evaluation of the proposed recommender algorithm

EXPLOITING KASPAROV'S LAW: ENHANCED INFORMATION SYSTEMS INTEGRATION IN DOD SIMULATION-BASED TRAINING ENVIRONMENTS

Despite recent advances in the representation of logistics considerations in DOD staff training and wargaming simulations, logistics information systems (IS) remain underrepresented. Unlike many command and control (C2) systems, which can be integrated with simulations through common protocols (e.g., OTH-Gold), many logistics ISs require manpower-intensive human-in-the-loop (HitL) processes for simulation-IS (sim-IS) integration. Where automated sim-IS integration has been achieved, it often does not simulate important sociotechnical system (STS) dynamics, such as information latency and human error, presenting decision-makers with an unrealistic representation of logistics C2 capabilities in context. This research seeks to overcome the limitations of conventional sim-IS interoperability approaches by developing and validating a new approach for sim-IS information exchange through robotic process automation (RPA). RPA software supports the automation of IS information exchange through ISs’ existing graphical user interfaces. This “outside-in” approach to IS integration mitigates the need for engineering changes in ISs (or simulations) for automated information exchange. In addition to validating the potential for an RPA-based approach to sim-IS integration, this research presents recommendations for a Distributed Simulation Engineering and Execution Process (DSEEP) overlay to guide the engineering and execution of sim-IS environments.Major, United States Marine CorpsApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited

A Development Method for the Conceptual Design of Multi-View Modeling Tools with an Emphasis on Consistency Requirements

The main objective of this thesis is to bridge the gap between modeling method experts on the one side and tool developers on the other. More precisely, the focus is on the specification of requirements for multi-view modeling tools. In this regard, the thesis introduces a methodological approach that supports the specification of conceptual designs for multi-view modeling tools in a stepwise manner: the MuVieMoT approach. MuVieMoT utilizes generic multi-view modeling concepts and the model-driven engineering paradigm to establish an overarching specification of multi-view modeling tools with an emphasis on consistency requirements. The approach builds on and extends the theoretical foundation of metamodeling and multi-view modeling: generic multi-view modeling concepts, integrated multi-view modeling approaches, and possibilities for formalized modeling method specifications. Applicability and utility of MuVieMoT are evaluated using an illustrative scenario, therefore specifying a conceptual design for a multi-view modeling tool for the Semantic Object Model enterprise modeling method. The thesis moreover introduces the MuVieMoT modeling environment, enabling the efficient application of the approach as well as the model-driven development of initial multi-view modeling tools based on the conceptual models created with MuVieMoT. Consequently, the approach fosters an intersubjective and unambiguous understanding of the tool requirements between method experts and tool developers