In this paper we study the integration of Model
Management and Hypertext systems to produce a Hyper
Model Management System (HMMS). Model Management
Systems constitute a class of software that
is designed to support the construction, storage, retrieval,
and use of models in the context of decision
support systems (DSS). Hypertext systems allow users
to split information into data fragments which the user
cart browse to find information by taking non-linear
paths in computer based texts. It has been suggested
that DSSs should be conceived as environments which
support decision making. We support the view that
such environments can be readily provided for the subtask
of model management by hypertext systems. The
different kinds of model knowledge can be captured
within different types of hypertext nodes and the relationships
among these can be maintained by hypertext
links. In this paper we describe some aspects of
model management where hypertext will have a significant
impact. However, plain hypertext is ineffective
in dealing with the dynamic nature of information in
model management tasks where data is revised, models
executed, and reports are created on the fly. Dynamic
domains require dynamic hypertexts. In this paper we
also study the requirements for dynamic hypertexts.
These can be satisfied within the class of generalized
hypertext systems by using special hypertext nodes and
links which we describe. We explore different architectures
to integrate MMS and Hypertext systems to
obtain HMMSs. This paper emphasizes the need for a
shift to integrating Model Management and hypertext
technologies.Information Systems Working Papers Serie