Creating a Comprehensive Agent-Oriented Methodology: Using Method Engineering and the OPEN Metamodel

Abstract

While individual agent-oriented methodologies are useful for restricted situations, a more flexible approach can be found in the use of situational method engineering. Using an underpinning metamodel, a repository of method fragments can be built up and, from this, a selected number of fragments can be abstracted to form an organization-specific or project-specific methodology. As an example, we demonstrate the use of the OPEN metamodel and repository, as extended to support agent-oriented conceptual thinking. Re-creation of existing methodologies, such as Prometheus, is demonstrated with further enhancements from other methodologies such as Tropos and Gaia.