There are two stages in object model construction. On the one hand, each NE in the model should be given a role. The role of an NE refers to its function in the model (e.g., as an assumption, initiative, outcome, etc.). Different models can be distinguished by the different roles that can be assigned to its NEs.
On the other hand, each NE must be given a position relative to the other NEs in the model. The position for an NE is constructed by either adding it to a contribution wing of another NE or by adding another NE to its own contribution wing. The position of the NE is fully determined when all the direct contribution relations in which it stands are reflected in the population of its wings. The model is complete when the role and position of every component NE is determined.
To set a project's role:
1.
Click the at the top left of the fields area. The object graphics will appear on the media screen.
On any map NE in the Maps room (except the active NE--follow instructions above):
1.
Rightclick any NE in the model
2.
Select Edit Text
3.
An edit machine will appear. Add, modify or delete text in the edit machine.
4.
Click .
To set the NE's position in an object model:
1.
To enter model mode, rightclick on the active NE and select Object Model.
2.
The drop down menu will provide a number of possible models. Select the appropriate model.
3.
Open one or both contributions wings on the active NE.
4.
Models are built one step at a time.
1.
Some models (process models, results chains) model contribution relations of various sorts and are built using the contribution wings:
2.
Drag an NE that receives contributions by the active NE and drop it into the contributions by (left) wing of the active NE.
3.
Drag an NE that contributes to the active NE and drop it into the contributes to (right) wing.
Some models (data models, ontologies) model affinity relations and are built using the affinity area:
•
Drag an NE that has an affinity to the active NE and drop it into the affinity area of the active NE.
While contribution models do not utilize affinity relations, you can use the affinity to advantage when building a contribution model. If you know that two NEs are related in the model, but have not yet determined how the relation goes, you can temporarily relate them by affinity.
Contribution relations are reciprocal, so you do not need to populate contribution models in both directions. Therefore, if in an object model an NE is added to the contributes to wing of a second NE, the second NE is added to the contributions by wing of the first NE. Affinity models can be viewed either in reciprocal (active and passive affinities) or non-reciprocal (active affinities only).
Object models can be populated from the bench or from the cabinet. The operation in either case is identical. From the cabinetyou have all the contents of the cabinet at your disposal, whereas if you use the bench you can only use whatever you have put on the bench. On the other hand, it is easier to see what you are doing when you model from the bench. In many cases you will want to combine the two strategies, going back and forth between the cabinet and the room in which you are modeling and using the bench for temporary organization of NEs that belong in the model.
