System Name and Class Viewpoint

Description

This viewpoint provides the instructions to create the System Name and Class View in a System Description.

The initial steps for creating a system description are:

  • Identifying the name of the system-of-interest.
  • Identifying any base classifier and any of its properties that this system-of-interest inherits.

In addition, this section can provide any other system level definitions or concepts used across the whole system.

Rationale

This view is critical to establishing the identity of a system-of-interest. Key elements of the identity are:

  • Name
  • Identified base classifier for the system-of-interest
  • inherited definitions from other system descriptions

Stakeholders and their Concerns

Name and Class Viewpoint Context

Ontology Concepts and System Descriptions

Name and Class Viewpoint Definition

Models

The Name can be created as a single class in a class model

The Generalization links to other base classifiers is a critical aspect of creating the identity of the system-of-interest. Here are some examples of Base Classifiers:

  • System (Abstract)
  • Social System (Abstract)
  • Designed Physical System (Abstract)

Link to the Top System Classifications PDF

The class model may also contain the generalizations to the identified 'based on' classes.

A UML Class model is optional for this view. The simple model is implied in the elements that are captured in this section. This viewpoint may also have a legend specification (text based view).

Steps to Create the View

  • Identify the names or possible synonyms
  • Identify the base classes that this system can be derived from.
  • Optional: Create a Class diagram for this section to show the relationship of the system to other base classifiers. (or update the top system classification model).

Correspondences

  • Any of the inherited elements from the base classes should be visible within the system description.

Examples

See the Household System Description as an example of a System Description that inherits a number of the basic structures and elements from the abstract class: Social System.

T.B.D. Links to be provided to example System Descriptions

Sources

UML Classes and Generalization Associations.

Notes

Though a UML model may not be required in this section