BRManifesto FAQ: Article 6 - Rule-Based Architecture, Not Indirect Implementation

   The Business Rules Group
The Business Rules Group As prepared by members of The Business Rules Group, Read Author Bio || Read All Articles by The Business Rules Group

FAQ re: Principle 6.3
Question: What kind of "action" is meant by Manifesto principle 6.3?

A business rule system must always be able to explain the reasoning by which it arrives at conclusions or takes action.

Actions that can be taken directly by a business rule system on the basis of rules include assertion of derived facts and response to breaches.


FAQ re: Principle 6.3
Question: How is a business rule system "able to explain [its] reasoning" as prescribed by Manifesto principle 6.3?

A business rule system must always be able to explain the reasoning by which it arrives at conclusions or takes action.

It can 'explain' its reasoning simply by revealing (logging) the particular rules used to arrive at each conclusion or to take any action.


FAQ re: Principle 6.4
Question: What does Manifesto mean by "truth values" in principle 6.4?

Rules are based on truth values. How a rule's truth value is determined or maintained is hidden from users.

The Manifesto means true/false. The implication is that 'under the covers' rule technology should be based on formal logic.


FAQ re: Principle 6.5
Question: What does Manifesto mean by "event" in principle 6.5?

The relationship between events and rules is generally many-to-many.

By "event" the Manifesto simply means "something that happens" in business activity.


FAQ re: Principle 6.5
Question: Why is principle 6.5 of the Manifesto explicit about the relationship between events and rules being generally many-to-many?

The relationship between events and rules is generally many-to-many.

A rule harvested from a procedural artifact (e.g., a process, a procedure, a use case, procedural program, etc.) is often based on, oriented toward, or managed around a specific event. The possible wider applicability of the rule is often overlooked, leading to serious inconsistencies or omissions. A rule expressed declaratively in contrast puts no unnatural restrictions on the rule's applicability.


References:

[1] The Manifesto is free, only 2 pages long, translated into 15 languages. Have a quick look (or re-look!). No sign up required. Well worth your time.

Standard citation for this article:


citations icon
The Business Rules Group, "BRManifesto FAQ: Article 6 - Rule-Based Architecture, Not Indirect Implementation" Business Rules Journal, Vol. 3, No. 12, (Dec. 2002)
URL: http://www.brcommunity.com/a2002/s020.html

About our Contributor:


   The Business Rules Group
The Business Rules Group As prepared by members of The Business Rules Group,

Originally a project within GUIDE International, the Business Rules Group [BRG] subsequently became an independent organization. BRG's membership comprises experienced practitioners in the field of systems and business analysis methodology. BRG's members are practitioners who work in both the public and the private sectors.

The BRG charter is to formulate statements and supporting standards about the nature and structure of business rules, the relationship of business rules with the way an enterprise is organized, and the relationship of business rules with systems' architectures.

BRG's standards work has been picked up and merged with OMG's.

For more on the BRG visit: http://www.businessrulesgroup.org/theBRG.php

Read All Articles by The Business Rules Group
Subscribe to the eBRJ Newsletter
In The Spotlight
 Ronald G. Ross
 John A. Zachman
';
The Issue Is THE ENTERPRISE By John A. Zachman Jan. 2017 | Vol. 18, Iss. 1

Online Interactive Training Series

In response to a great many requests, Business Rule Solutions now offers at-a-distance learning options. No travel, no backlogs, no hassles. Same great instructors, but with schedules, content and pricing designed to meet the special needs of busy professionals.