An Objectives-Driven Process for Selecting Methods to Support Requirements Engineering Activities

Abstract

ABSTRACT. This paper presents a framework that guides the requirements engineer in the implementation and execution of an effective requirements generation process. We achieve this goal by providing a well-defined requirements engineering model and a criteria based process for optimizing method selection for attendant activities. Current models address only portions of the requirements process or include activities defined at higher levels of abstraction; this often obscures the implementation aspects of the requirements process. Our model, unlike other models, addresses the complete requirements generation process and consists of activities defined at more adequate levels of abstraction. Additionally, activity objectives are identified and explicitly statednot implied as in the current models. Activity objectives are crucial as they drive the selection of methods for each activity. Thus, our model guides the requirements engineer through the requirements generation process by providing a clear transition path for requirements through adequately decomposed, welldefined activities. Our model also incorporates a unique approach to verification and validation that enhances quality and reduces the cost of generating requirements. To assist in the selection of methods, we have mapped commonly used methods to activities based on their objectives. In addition, we have identified method selection criteria and prescribed a reduced set of methods that optimize these criteria for each activity defined by our requirements generation process. Thus, the defined approach assists in the task of selecting methods by using selection criteria to reduce a large collection of potential methods to a smaller, manageable set. The model and the set of methods, taken together, provide the much needed guidance for the effective implementation and execution of the requirements generation process.

Selecting Requirements Documentation Techniques for Software Projects: a Survey Study

“…abstraction level, effort, required skills), are available. They however focus on techniques from other areas, mostly requirements elicitation [15]- [17], but also analysis [18] or validation [19].…”

A Methodology for the Selection of Requirement Elicitation Techniques

“…Browne et al [15] also proposed guidance for the selection of elicitation technique. Lobo et al [16] developed an approach for elicitation technique selection based on a predefined RE process model. Lausen [18] discusses several techniques, which can be used in the RE process.…”

Sustainable ICTs and Management Systems for Green Computing

“…CCBF (Chang et al, 2010 b, c ;2011 a, b , c, d, e, f) VBSPN (Zirpins and Emmerich 2008) DSGE (Etro, 2008) CBM (Klems, Nimis and Tsai, 2009) SLA-based (Assuncao, Costanzo, Buyya et al, 2009) Miscellaneous (Lobo and Arthur, 2005 Need to consider more on quantitative aspects.…”