Classification of reference models: a methodology and its application

Classification is an important tool for perception and can be found in numerous scientific disciplines. Several application areas of classification are described in the context of information modeling. The usefulness of classification for reuse resp. selection of reference models is emphasized. A methodology to systematically create classification systems will be introduced. Furthermore, a classification system for reference models will be developed with the aid of the proposed methodology. This classification system gives a comprehensive, but abstract survey of 26 reference models found in the literature.