Integrating system dynamics with object-role modeling and Petri nets

Abstract

The art of System Dynamics (SD) modeling lies in discovering and representing the feedback processes and other elements that determine the dynamics of a system. However, SD shows a lack of means for discovering and expressing precise, language-based concepts in domains. Therefore, we choose to use Object-Role Modeling (ORM) to add high quality formal conceptualization to SD modeling and Petri Nets (PNs) to bridge the gap between static ORM and Dynamic, flow-like aspects of SD. To achieve the integration of these methods, we take a step by step approach where we first identify the conceptual link between SD and ORM, then the key concepts used in these methods, which we later use to derive mappings, transition statements and elements. This helps us to better understand the underlying concepts, the connections between the model structure, and behavior in a sequential manner.