Knowledge Representation for Model Management Systems

This paper examines the concept of a model management system, what its functions are, and how they are to be achieved in a decision support context. The central issue is model representation which involves knowledge representation and knowledge management within a database environment. The model abstraction structure is introduced as a vehicle for model representation which supports both heuristic and deterministic inferencing as well as the conceptual/external schema notion familiar to database management. The model abstraction is seen as a special instance of the frame construct in artificial intelligence. Model management systems are characterized as frame-systems and a database implementation of this approach is described.