3 days.

To provide delegates with a good understanding of the principles and process for modelling systems using the Model Driven Architecture (MDA) strategy, and for building Platform Independent Models (PIMs) using the Unified Modelling Language (UML).  The course includes examples of how MDA modelling principles have been applied to the Land Data Model (LDM) and how MDA translation strategies have been used in the context of the Generic Vehicle Architecture (GVA).

This course is tool agnostic, and the techniques presented are applicable to all mainstream UML tools, although the IBM Rhapsody modelling tool is used to explore and demonstrate translation of the LDM/GVA Data Model.

Modellers, Systems Engineers, Software Engineers, Platform Integrators, Testers.

None

Delegates will gain an understanding of the MDA process and principles, used as the basis for the MoD’s Land Data Model.  They will see how platform independent domain models have been combined into reference architectures using build sets and translated into deployable components using model translators.  Delegates will consolidate their understanding of the LDM methodology through practical exercises.  They will become familiar with the set of domains that make up the LDM/GVA Data Model and will be better positioned to reuse or integrate with existing LDM components, and to develop new ones.

This course is presented by Chris Raistrick, lead author of the book “Model Driven Architecture with Executable UML.” He has over 30 years’ experience of military systems modelling and has been selected as lead modeller for a number of successful NATO and MoD-sponsored standardisation initiatives.  He is currently the Coherence Manager for the MoD’s Land Data Model, which forms the basis for their Generic Vehicle Architecture (Def Stan 23-009) and the NATO GVA standard (STANAG 4754).

This gives an overall picture of the MDA process, and the primary artefacts produced during that process.  It introduces the concept of Domain-Based Platform Independent Models and explains their value in the context of military system development.  The Land Data Model Methodology is described and illustrated with examples.

This deals with all aspects of modelling classes, associations, generalizations and attributes using a variety of exercises.  The Class Diagram is the primary notation used.  Examples drawn from the LDM are used to illustrate the key principles.

This explains the principles of partitioning a system into separate domains and provides proven techniques for finding and defining a coherent set of domains.  The Package Diagram is introduced as a means of representing the domains and their dependencies.  These domains specify capabilities without prejudice to whether they are to be implemented using hardware or software components.

This section provides a summary of the use case modelling notation, sufficient to enable delegates to interpret the use case model that is the starting point for the case study used throughout the course.  More comprehensive coverage of use case modelling is included in a separate course.

This covers the process of defining operations and building UML Statechart Diagrams for the classes in each domain.  It emphasises the importance of establishing the overall interaction pattern using UML Sequence Diagrams prior to construction of the individual Statechart Diagrams.

This shows how UML Sequence Diagrams can be used to understand how the system will operate and to link use cases to a set of components making up a system.

This provides illustrations of several common patterns used in the LDM platform independent models.  In each case, students are given guidelines about when to apply the pattern, and the benefits.  Examples drawn from a real military system are used to illustrate these patterns and their benefits, with particular emphasis on rapid integration of new equipment and capabilities onto a military platform.

This explains the principles of build sets, used to specify a reference architecture or a deployed system.  It uses examples drawn from the LDM to illustrate the concepts of counterparts and bridges.

This brings out the benefits of using the Model Driven Architecture strategy for translating the Platform Independent Models into Platform Specific Models and Platform Specific Implementations.  It provides information about how to configure and use the GVA PIM-PSM and PSM-IDL Translators, and examples of their outputs.

Brings together the key aspects of MDA and provides references to additional information relating to MDA and the LDM, including descriptions of all elements of the LDM Profile.