An example-based introduction to graph grammars for modeling

Using classic management science models, the author introduces attributed graphs and graph grammars as a basis for a modeling environment called a graph-based modeling system. Since many types of graphs are used to model different situations, a modeling environment that promotes the use of different types of graphs appears attractive. Such an environment, however, must provide the capability to support semantic (structural) constraints on the appropriate structure of a graph, e.g. acyclicity, bipartiteness. Graph grammars provide a rigorous, yet practical, means to support such semantic constraints. Furthermore, since they can be represented as a graph, a visual language is possible for developing graph-based modeling environments. The prototype environment, GBMS, is described, and some examples are used to illustrate the applicability of this approach to management science modeling.<>