Evaluation of Modeling Methods for Systems Analysis and Development (EMMSAD): Past, Present, and Artificial Intelligence Eras

The evaluation of modeling methods in systems analysis and development (EMMSAD) has been running for about 30 years. EMMSAD started as a platform for systems analysis, design, and development scholars and practitioners to present research works and exchange ideas to advance the fields of systems analysis and design, conceptual modeling, requirements engineering, information systems engineering, and software engineering. After 30 years, it is time to take stock of the advancements, contributions, and current state of the EMMSAD international working conference and to provide research directions for its future evolution. This paper consists of two parts. The first part of the paper examines EMMSAD over the past several decades. The second part of the paper researches the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the fields related to and associated with systems analysis and design (SAD). We look at the current trends and future developments of SAD in the era of AI and the rapid advancements of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), Agentic AI, and research into Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). This paper contributes to understanding the evolution of the EMMSAD, identifying the SAD research trends, and investigating the impact of the rapidly advancing AI on the fields related to and associated with EMMSAD.