Using ontology to validate conceptual models

A conceptual model is a representation (typically graphical) constructed by IS professionals of someone’s or some group’s perception of a real-world domain. It might be used to facilitate the design and implementation of an information system. It might be used to evaluate the fit between an organization’s needs and the business models embedded within an enterprise application software package. After constructing a conceptual model, IS professionals need to validate it with the stakeholders whose worlds they are seeking to represent. Otherwise, defects in the model might propagate to subsequent system design and implementation activities. If these defects are not discovered until late in the development process, they are often costly to correct. Validating a conceptual model is thus critical to high-quality system development.