Information modeling: The process and the required competencies of its participants

In recent literature it is commonly agreed that the first phase of the software development process is still an area of concern. Furthermore, while software technology has been changed and improved rapidly, the way of working and managing this process have remained behind.In this paper focus is on the process of information modeling, its quality and the required competencies of its participants (domain experts and system analysts). The competencies are discussed and motivated assuming natural language is the main communication vehicle between domain expert and system analyst. As a result, these competencies provide the clue for the effectiveness of the associated process of information modeling.