开发方法可以在基础元模型的上下文中描述，但允许根据元模型定义它们的精确机制通常很难解释，也不能涵盖所有需求。例如，很难设计一种实践，允许定义组成方法的元素的属性，同时定义应用方法时创建的实体（如工作产品）的属性。ISO/IEC 24744:2014介绍了用于开发方法学的软件工程元模型（SEMDM），这是一种综合元模型，利用一种新的方法来定义基于powertype概念的方法学。SEMDM的目的是定义基于信息的领域中的方法，即高度依赖信息管理和处理的领域，如软件、商业或系统工程。 SEMDM将其他元建模方法的关键优势与已知缺点结合起来，允许方法的过程、建模和人员方面无缝集成。给出了其他元模型映射到SEMDM的示例，并提供了问题的简要概述。 越来越多的标准定义、使用或暗示了各种方法，每种方法所使用的概念都应该协调一致。一个协调的工具是SEMDM。与此元模型的一致性将确保采用一致的概念和术语来定义每种方法。

Development methodologies may be described in the context of an underpinning metamodel, but the precise mechanisms that permit them to be defined in terms of their metamodels are usually difficult to explain and do not cover all needs. For example, it is difficult to devise a practice that allows the definition of properties of the elements that compose the methodology and, at the same time, of the entities (such as work products) created when the methodology is applied. ISO/IEC 24744:2014 introduces the Software Engineering Metamodel for Development Methodologies (SEMDM), a comprehensive metamodel that makes use of a new approach to defining methodologies based on the concept of powertype. The aim of SEMDM is to define methodologies in information-based domains, i.e. areas characterized by their intensive reliance on information management and processing, such as software, business or systems engineering. The SEMDM combines key advantages of other metamodelling approaches with none of their known drawbacks, allowing the seamless integration of process, modelling and people aspects of methodologies. Examples are given where other metamodels are mapped to SEMDM and a brief synopsis of problems is provided. Various methodologies are defined, used, or implied by a growing number of standards, and it is desirable that the concepts used by each methodology be harmonized. A vehicle for harmonization is the SEMDM. Conformance to this metamodel will ensure a consistent approach to defining each methodology with consistent concepts and terminology.