Spatio-temporal set-based constraints in conceptual modeling: A theoretical framework and evaluation

Abstract

The objective of this research is to define and evaluate a framework and detailed specifications for capturing spatio-temporal set-based constraints during conceptual database design. The proposed framework aims to bridge the gap between rule discovery during requirements analysis and rule implementation during the logical design phase. It also aids conceptual design by providing the analyst with a structured way to determine rules from the client. Our research approach takes advantage of multiple research methods in: (i) defining a formal framework and using it to specify spatio-temporal constraints employing set theory and first order logic, (ii) evaluating expressiveness of the proposed framework using a case study, and (iii) evaluating user analyst performance and perceived ease of use via a laboratory experiment. A case study at the Internal Review Board of a major public university demonstrates that the framework is expressive enough to capture discovered rules in this application, and that the rules can be translated to schema constraints at the logical level. The experiment provides answers regarding analyst performance using the framework, perceived ease of use, and explores the utility of the framework as a structured approach to elicit rules from clients. Future work includes additional case studies to test the framework, experiments to establish perceived usefulness from the perspective of real-world analysts, and broadening the framework to incorporate additional types of rules.