Specification approaches express different world hypotheses

This paper presents four world views for developing system specifications. Each is described by first revealing its root metaphor, that is, the most primitive starting point for understanding a system. As each world view and its metaphor are described, we show how particular major current approaches to systems analysis and design fall within the view. We discuss how the root metaphor simultaneously provides useful system concepts while limiting their utility. The paper concludes by suggesting how practicing analysts can use world views to guard against missing important system aspects, avoid specification complexity, and ensure greater coverage and completeness.