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A Rationale-based Model for Architecture Design Reasoning

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Once this file is generated, Netica can open it directly. A user would enhance the<br />

data in this file. The following data entry and graphics manipulation are probably<br />

necessary:<br />

• Reorganise the graph and position the AEs and ARs <strong>for</strong> better visibility<br />

• Assign prior and conditional probabilities to the nodes<br />

4.4 Merging Enterprise Architect Graph with Netica<br />

After exporting the AREL model from the Enterprise Architect repository (in<br />

UML) into the Netica <strong>for</strong>mat, it is possible <strong>for</strong> the models in both notations to<br />

change. The design in the UML model might change because of design changes.<br />

For the Netica model, the probabilities and the positioning of the Netica model<br />

elements might be enhanced. As such, there is a need to merge the two models<br />

together to synchronise the changes. This can be achieved by using the Merge BBN<br />

button.<br />

The end result is an updated Netica file which has all the elements and relationships<br />

of the UML model, but preserves the positioning and the probabilities of the Netica<br />

model. The basic assumption of this function is that the elements and the<br />

relationships in the AREL model are defined by the Enterprise Architect repository.<br />

So if there are additions, deletions or modifications in the repository, it would be<br />

reflected in the merged Netica <strong>for</strong>m.<br />

This function will prompt the user to enter the Netica file name which is to be<br />

merged with the UML model, this is shown in Figure 12.<br />

Figure 12 – Specify the Netica file to merge with<br />

When the filename is specified, user can use the Merge button to start the merging<br />

process. The end result will be stored in a file called ABC merge (20 July 2006(3-<br />

11 PM)).<br />

4.5 Create ADDG Graph<br />

Based on the AREL model which consists of AEs and ARs, an <strong>Architecture</strong> <strong>Design</strong><br />

Decision Graph (ADDG) can be created. This is an UML graph created in the<br />

Enterprise Architect which only shows the relationships between the ARs and filter<br />

out all the AEs in the graph. The purpose of this tool is to highlight the<br />

relationships between architecture decisions.<br />

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