To Model or Not to Model? Assessing the Value of Ontology-Driven Conceptual Modeling

Modeling plays an important role in representing and supporting complex human design activities. For example, Ontology-Driven Conceptual Modeling (ODCM) creates concrete artifacts representing conceptualizations of particular domains. However, the development, management, and usage of these artifacts require investments of resources that should be worth it. Often, stakeholders neglected the trade-off analysis of the benefits and investments in ODCM experiences because of the lack of tools to assist them with this task. In this context, the aim of this research is to develop a method to identify when worth investing in ODCM experiences based on an analysis of value. To propose the method, we will develop and correlate knowledge and artifacts regarding the quality and value of the modeling process and product, the return on modeling effort, and domain debt.