Conceptual Modelling and Ontology: Possibilities and Pitfalls

The task of conceptual modelling is to build a high-quality representation of selected phenomena in some domain. The conceptual models that result facilitate the design,implementation, operation, and maintenance of information systems. Because conceptual modelling activities usually occur during the initial stages of the systems development process, modelling errors and omissions that are not detected early often have costly repercussions. Thus, research that seeks to improve conceptual-modelling practice is important.