Common terminology, well established techniques and methods are key success factors of Requirements Engineering: the contribution of RE certification to project success

Abstract

As numerous studies, such as the well‐known Chaos report by the Standish Group, show it, Requirements Engineering (RE) is among the main key success factors of ICT projects. In order to improve project success a stronger focus has to be set on the early project phases, i.e. the Requirements Engineering. With several specialised international conferences series and scientific journals, the literature offers a wealth of research findings from novel methods, techniques and tools, to case study reports, surveys, experiment reports, literature reviews, etc. Many professional books have been published, and mature tools are available on the market. How comes with all this material, the profession does not get the appropriate attention? How comes people who need to practice RE lack so frequently of even the basic knowledge in RE? The position taken in this paper is that a common understanding of the terminology and of widely acknowledged techniques and methods can be established through certification, which in its turns shall contribute to better project success. Starting from an analysis of the salient problems, the paper describes the driving principles of certification, and shows its implementation with the IREB CPRE (Certified Professional in Requirements Engineering) scheme. Based on testimony by a sample from the 16.000+ IREB certified people shows the papers demonstrates the multiple outcome of being CPRE: improved project management, increased customer and user satisfaction, more innovative products and services among others.