Issues in enterprise modelling

Computerization of enterprises continues unabated and so does the cost of software. The availability of a generic, common-sense enterprise model is necessary if the costs are to be reigned in. But in order to construct useful generic enterprise models (GEM) there are a number of issues that have to be addressed. In this paper the author explores the following issues: Is there such a thing as a generic enterprise model? Can the terminology be precisely defined? Does all knowledge need to be explicit? Need there be a single, shared enterprise model? How can we determine which is a better enterprise model? Can an enterprise model be consistent? Can an enterprise model be created and kept current? Will the organization accept an enterprise-wide model? The author then briefly describes the TOVE project, which attempts to address many of these issues