This article explains the theoretical system that supports enterprise engineering (EE). The theoretical system consists of four categories: philosophical theory, ontological theory, technological theory, and ideological theory. In this article, we will touch on three philosophical theories that are the result of thinking back to fundamental principles, and four ontological theories that conceptually grasp the target world (organization as a system) based on philosophical theory. Ontological theories lead to ontological models that concisely encompass the essence of organizations. Ontological models include essential models abstracted from design and implementation.
The seven individual theories are summarized in a table below, along with the key concepts of the theory structure.
“Whether things can be observed depends on the theory used. It is the theory that determines what can be observed” is a quote by Einstein that clearly shows the role of theory.
The original author states, “Following the above maxim, every modeling activity is shaped by the theory one applies, or, in the absence of an explicit theory, by the ‘psychological glasses’ one wears. If the glasses are inappropriate, the resulting model will be completely useless.” Isn’t an explanation of things that is not based on theory ‘fake news’ or ‘conspiracy’?

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