Reference model: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 23:45, 6 March 2013

Revision as of 12:11, 2 May 2013

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There are a number of concepts rolled up into that of a 'reference model.' Each of these concepts is important:

* ''Abstract'': a reference model is abstract. TheIt thingsprovides describedinformation byabout environments of a certain kind. A reference model aredescribes notthe actualtype things,or butkind of entities that may occur in such an abstractenvironment, representationnot ofthe thingsparticular entities that actually do occur in a specific environment. ThereforeFor example, when describing the architecture of a particular house (which is a specific environment of a certain kind), an actual exterior wall may have dimensions and materials, but the concept of a wall (type of entity) is part of the reference model. One must understand the concept of a wall in order to build a house that has walls.

* ''Entities and relationships'': A reference model contains both entities (things that exist) and relationships (how they interact with one another). A list of entities, by itself, is not sufficient to describe a reference model.

* ''Within an environment'': A reference model does not attempt to describe "all things." A reference model is used to clarify "things within an environment" or a problem space. To be useful, a reference model should include a clear description of the problem that it solves, and the concerns of the stakeholders who need to see the problem get solved.