Menon, Catherine2010-12-132010-12-132007http://hdl.handle.net/2440/61972This thesis presents a categorical approach to the detection, classification and resolution of inconsistencies which commonly arise in modular systems. This categorical approach relies upon the generation of the Categorical Consistency Framework, within which inconsistencies can be represented separately from implementation details. Using this framework, a taxonomy of inconsistencies is constructed, which presents metrics for determining their severity and discusses a number of resolution methods. It is also shown how this framework can be used to combine multiple specifications into a single consistent system and predict the behaviour of the system. In the process, existing work relating to the database view update problem is adapted to system specification. This enables analysis of the probable underlying system behaviour, given the behaviour of individual components. The notion of degrees of consistency is introduced. This concept allows examination of how well a system recovers from system failure.categorical consistency framework; system failureThesis20100901143955