Collaborative Conceptual Modeling Using an Ontology

This paper describes the method of collaborative conceptual modeling using an ontology. The method was used for the design of a student lifecycle management system at a University. The problem was presented to the students of a Knowledge Management class by the Decision Support staff of the University System. Starting with a core knowledge management framework used for the class the students, in collaboration with the instructor, developed the student lifecycle management ontology to synthesize the requirements. The class presented the ontology to the Assistant VP of Decision Support and her staff for validation, together with prototype dashboards based on the ontology. They found the ontology to be comprehensive, insightful, and useful