Comments on: Business Rule Representation: A Tradeoff of Complexity and Linguistic Power http://blogs.gartner.com/dave_mccoy/2009/03/10/business-rule-representation-a-tradeoff-of-complexity-and-linguistic-power/ A member of the Gartner Blog Network Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:57:46 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 By: TomDebevoise.com » Unpacking Decision Management: A Changing Landscape http://blogs.gartner.com/dave_mccoy/2009/03/10/business-rule-representation-a-tradeoff-of-complexity-and-linguistic-power/comment-page-1/#comment-3791 TomDebevoise.com » Unpacking Decision Management: A Changing Landscape Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:01:30 +0000 http://blogs.gartner.com/dave_mccoy/2009/03/10/business-rule-representation-a-tradeoff-of-complexity-and-linguistic-power/#comment-3791 [...] The vast majority of the business rules literature (1)(2)(3)(4) and products are built on the assumption that business rules should be expressed as a linguistic, symbolic or interpreted evaluation of facts. However, the characteristic of this approach make it difficult to create, control and manage changes (5)(6). [...] [...] The vast majority of the business rules literature (1)(2)(3)(4) and products are built on the assumption that business rules should be expressed as a linguistic, symbolic or interpreted evaluation of facts. However, the characteristic of this approach make it difficult to create, control and manage changes (5)(6). [...]

]]> By: TomDebevoise.com » The Expert Systems Debate in Business Rules http://blogs.gartner.com/dave_mccoy/2009/03/10/business-rule-representation-a-tradeoff-of-complexity-and-linguistic-power/comment-page-1/#comment-3581 TomDebevoise.com » The Expert Systems Debate in Business Rules Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:47:36 +0000 http://blogs.gartner.com/dave_mccoy/2009/03/10/business-rule-representation-a-tradeoff-of-complexity-and-linguistic-power/#comment-3581 [...] need visual metaphors (Decision Tables or Rule Flows) to solve the problems.  My point here is echoed by Dave McCoy with the Gartner [...] [...] need visual metaphors (Decision Tables or Rule Flows) to solve the problems.  My point here is echoed by Dave McCoy with the Gartner [...]

]]> By: David McCoy http://blogs.gartner.com/dave_mccoy/2009/03/10/business-rule-representation-a-tradeoff-of-complexity-and-linguistic-power/comment-page-1/#comment-1960 David McCoy Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:47:14 +0000 http://blogs.gartner.com/dave_mccoy/2009/03/10/business-rule-representation-a-tradeoff-of-complexity-and-linguistic-power/#comment-1960 Hi James I read your post. Great questions. Three answers: First, I did not cover every known rule representation type, so the individual rule approach you mention is not explicitly covered. However, I tried to write this research at a meta-level and talk about categories versus instances. In that case, you might be able to slot additional approaches into my defined buckets. Template-driven rules fall in the structured-language category, in my taxonomy. They are more complex than graphical aids (trees, tables), but an easier form of language than CNL. Ambiguity can certainly equal power - but it's a different kind of power. Ambiguity and imprecision are socio-political powers, purposefully or accidentally hiding the truth. My definition of linguistic power implies intent and capability to be clear and precise. So, by definition, imprecision is a weak point. If imprecision is used as a purposeful weapon, it is a weakness; if it is accidental, it is a weakness - as far as business rules go. For political speeches and short stories, the analysis would be radically different. Cheers David McCoy Hi James

I read your post. Great questions. Three answers:

First, I did not cover every known rule representation type, so the individual rule approach you mention is not explicitly covered. However, I tried to write this research at a meta-level and talk about categories versus instances. In that case, you might be able to slot additional approaches into my defined buckets.

Template-driven rules fall in the structured-language category, in my taxonomy. They are more complex than graphical aids (trees, tables), but an easier form of language than CNL.

Ambiguity can certainly equal power – but it’s a different kind of power. Ambiguity and imprecision are socio-political powers, purposefully or accidentally hiding the truth. My definition of linguistic power implies intent and capability to be clear and precise. So, by definition, imprecision is a weak point. If imprecision is used as a purposeful weapon, it is a weakness; if it is accidental, it is a weakness – as far as business rules go. For political speeches and short stories, the analysis would be radically different.

Cheers

David McCoy

]]> By: James Taylor http://blogs.gartner.com/dave_mccoy/2009/03/10/business-rule-representation-a-tradeoff-of-complexity-and-linguistic-power/comment-page-1/#comment-1958 James Taylor Thu, 12 Mar 2009 11:00:13 +0000 http://blogs.gartner.com/dave_mccoy/2009/03/10/business-rule-representation-a-tradeoff-of-complexity-and-linguistic-power/#comment-1958 Dave Interesting topic. I wrote a response (linked from my name) and I am looking forward to getting my hands on the report. # Where would template-driven rules fall? # What about some of the graphical representations for individual rules? # How does the imprecision of natural language affect its linguistic power? Enjoy JT James Taylor CEO, Decision Management Solutions Dave
Interesting topic. I wrote a response (linked from my name) and I am looking forward to getting my hands on the report.
# Where would template-driven rules fall?
# What about some of the graphical representations for individual rules?
# How does the imprecision of natural language affect its linguistic power?
Enjoy
JT

James Taylor
CEO, Decision Management Solutions

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