Modelling Method Conceptualization within OMiLAB: The Secure Tropos Case

Abstract

Development of domain specific modelling languages can be observed by a growing number of groups emphasizing the implementation of individual modelling languages, methods and approaches for a variety of application domains. Domain orientation allows to express focused models in a context of a specific application domain. To raise benefits of domain-specific modelling and in particular the use of developed models, tool support must not be limited to model editors realizing a certain language, but instead must provide full-fledged functionality for domain-specific modelling methods.

This tutorial will introduce the Open Models Laboratory (OMiLAB, www.omilab.org), an open environment for method engineering and tool development. The tutorial will report on the Secure Tropos method engineering case in OMiLAB. Secure Tropos is a security-aware software systems development methodology, which combines requirements engineering concepts together with security engineering concepts under a unified process to support the analysis and development of secure and trustworthy software systems.

Value of the Tutorial for Attendees

On the theoretical side, the tutorial provides a value in introducing the participants to meta-modelling as a realisation concept and platform that claims to provide capabilities for developing modelling tools based on the notion of a domain specific modelling language (DSML). The tutorial will enable participants to shift their research work in the area of modelling languages and methods from a pure theoretical level towards the design and development of prototypes that enable application and evaluation of the theory.

On the practical side, the tutorial introduces an agile development process for modelling tools (AMME) and focuses on the implementation phase by providing hands-on experience for meta-model structure implementation (syntax, semantics, notation, hierarchy) as well as provision of mechanisms and algorithms based upon the structure.

Moreover, participants will gain experience in modelling with the Secure Tropos modelling method by utilizing the corresponding modelling tool which is being made available for open use. This will be a first-hand experience on how security and privacy requirements can be modelled and analysed from the early stages of software development process to produce secure systems that protect the privacy of the information stored.

Expected Background of the Attendees

The tutorial does not require expert knowledge in a certain field. Information science and computer science students, researchers, and practitioners with a solid background and interest in modelling or model-driven development are welcomed.
The tutorial addresses information science and computer science researchers and practitioners who are interested in domain-specific modelling, modelling tool development and the Open Models Laboratory (OMiLAB) community. The tutorial will be of most benefit for participants who already have considered or have developed a domain-specific modelling method and who consider developing a modelling tool for that method.
The tutorial will also benefit researchers and practitioners interested in security and privacy.

Details

Duration: 90 minutes
Max. Participants: 30 participants
Host and Registration: IEEE Eleventh Internation Conference on Research Challenges in Information Science 2017, Brighton, UK 
Dates: 10. - 12.05.2017
Tutorial Material: Tutorial materials will be distributed electronically on site.
Hosts: Dr. Dominik Bork, Dr. Michalis Pavlidis, Wilfrid Utz