Business rules in systems analysis: A meta-model and repository system

摘要

Commonly used methodologies for systems analysis are data- or function-oriented. These methods are sufficient for information systems which will be implemented using passive database management systems (DBMS). In the last years, several research prototypes of active DBMS and active mechanisms for commercially available DBMS have been developed. To fully use the potential of these rules, a systems analysis methodology with rules as central construct seems to be necessary. This paper defines and structures business rules as a main component of systems analysis and presents a meta-model for business rules; furthermore, the implementation of a repository system based on the meta-model is described.