An ontology for the harmonization of multiple standards and models

Harmonization plays an important role in organizations that are seeking to resolve manifold needs at their different hierarchical levels through multiple models such as CMMI, ISO 90003, ITIL, SWEBOK, COBIT, amongst others. A great diversity of models involves a wide heterogeneity not only about structure of their process entities and quality systems, but also with regards to terminology. This article presents an ontology which: provides the main concepts related to harmonization of multiple models; is supported by a web tool and; has been applied for the harmonization of COBIT 4.1, Basel II, VAL IT, RISK IT, ISO 27002 and ITIL.

Research highlights► In this article we present an ontology, which has been used in three real contexts of harmonization. ► The context of harmonization included multiple models and standards such as ISO 27001 and ISO 20000, ISO 9001 and CMMI, the harmonization of COBIT 4.1, Basel II, VAL IT, RISK IT, ISO 27002 and ITIL V3, as well as in the developing of a web tool to support the harmonization of multiple models. ► What we have learned has led us to recognize specific considerations, described here, along with the conjectures that we have established, all of which should be taken into account when implementing a harmonization project.