Intro -- Maarten Sierhuis LO5160

JOHNWFIELD@aol.com
Sat, 27 Jan 1996 07:20:50 -0500

Replying to LO5141 --

In a message dated 96-01-26 22:39:24 EST, Maarten writes:
>I am starting some research in which I am interested to investigate the
>problems in having a group of workers use a modeling paradigm (such as
>data flow modeling, object oriented modeling, or business process
>modeling) to create models. The experience we have had is that it is very
>difficult to 1) teach people the modeling paradigm (language +
>techniques), and 2) after they have learned the language and techniques,
>have them applied it appropriately.

Maarten, my experience reinforces yours.

What we have done with this situation is to "dissolve" it. Instead of
teaching a paradigm to people and asking them to apply it, provide
services to them that greatly facilitate the language and model
development.

Generally speaking, it is always worth while when faced with a tough
situation to ask the question as to whether the wrong problem is being
addressed. If one imagines that maybe the wrong one is being addressed,
then one can say "well, what problem would I address that, if solved,
would circumvent the one that is so troublesome."

That is a modest recipe for disciplining onesself to become more
effective.

--
John N. Warfield
Johnwfield@aol.com