Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A framework to improve communication during the requirements elicitation process in GSD projects

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Requirements Engineering Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Achieving a shared understanding of requirements is difficult in any situation, even more so in global software development projects. In such environments, people must deal not only with the lack of face to face communication, but also with other issues such as time difference, cultural diversity and a large amount of information originating from different sources throughout the world. Obtaining the right requirements therefore implies extra effort. In order to minimize such problems, we propose a framework that focuses on analyzing the factors that may be problematic in global software development and which suggests a set of strategies to improve the requirements elicitation process in such environments. In this paper, we describe the different phases of our framework and present the results of an experiment that test part of this framework. The results indicate that applying some of the strategies proposed in the framework seems to positively affect the stakeholders’ satisfaction with regard to communication. Moreover, the quality of the written software requirements specifications seems to be better as well when using those strategies.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
Fig. 16
Fig. 17
Fig. 18
Fig. 19
Fig. 20
Fig. 21
Fig. 22

Similar content being viewed by others

Notes

  1. Available on the www: http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/ilsweb.html.

  2. http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/ilsweb.html.

References

  1. Ali-Babar M, Kitchenham B, Jeffery R (2006) Distributed versus face-to-face meetings for architecture evaluation: a controlled experiment. In: 2006 ACM/IEEE international symposium on International symposium on empirical software engineering (ISESE’06). Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, pp 252–261

  2. Aranda G, Cechich A, Vizcaíno A, Castro-Schez JJ (2004) Using fuzzy sets to analyse personal preferences on groupware tools. In: X Congreso Argentino de Ciencias de la Computación, CACIC 2004. San Justo, Argentina, pp 549–560

  3. Aranda G, Vizcaíno A, Cechich A, Piattini M (2005) Towards a cognitive-based approach to distributed requirement elicitation processes. In: WER 2005, VIII workshop on requirements engineering. Porto, Portugal, pp 75–86

  4. Aranda G, Vizcaíno A, Cechich A, Piattini M, Castro-Schez JJ (2006) Cognitive-based rules as a means to select suitable groupware tools. In: 5th IEEE international conference on cognitive informatics (ICCI’06). Beijing, China, pp 418–423

  5. Aranda G, Vizcaíno A, Cechich A, Piattini M (2007) A model for selecting techniques in distributed requirement elicitation processes. In Law WK (ed), Information resources management. IGI Global, IDEA Group, pp 351–363

  6. Aranda G, Vizcaíno A, Cechich A, Piattini M (2008a) Evaluating factors that challenge global software development. In: ICSOFT 2008, Sesión especial: global software development: challenges and advances. Porto, Portugal, pp 355–363

  7. Aranda G, Vizcaíno A, Cechich A, Piattini M (2008b) Strategies to minimize problems in global requirements elicitation. In: Special issue of best papers presented at 2007 CRIWG workshop doctoral colloquium with one paper selected from CLEI 2006, 11(1)

  8. Audy J, Evaristo R, Watson-Manheim MB (2004) Distributed analysis the last frontier? In: 37th Annual Hawaii International Conference on Systems Sciences (HICSS). Big Island, Hawaii, pp CD-ROM

  9. Basili V, Shull F, Lanubile F (1999) Building knowledge through families of experiments. IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering 25(4):435–437

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Blank GD, Roy S, Sahasrabudhe S, Pottenger WM, Kessler GD (2003) Adapting multimedia for diverse student learning styles. J Comput Small Coll 18(3):45–58

    Google Scholar 

  11. Boehm B, Egyed A, Kwan J, Port D, Shah A, Madachy R (1998) Using the winwin spiral model: A case study. Computer 31(7):33–44

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Boehm B, Grünbacher P, Briggs RO (2001) Developing groupware for requirements negotiation: lessons learned. IEEE Softw 18(3):46–55

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Bostrom RP, Olfman L, Sein MK (1988) The importance of individual differences in end-user training: the case for learning style. In: 1988 ACM SIGCPR conference. Maryland, pp, 133–141

  14. Brooks FP (1987) No silver bullet: essence and accidents of software engineering. IEEE Comput 20(4):10–19

    MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  15. Browne GJ, Ramesh V (2002) Improving information requirements determination: a cognitive perspective. Inform Manage 39(8):625–645

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Calefato F, Damian D, Lanubile F (2007) An empirical investigation on text-based communication in distributed requirements workshops. In: International conference on global software engineering (ICGSE 2007). pp 3–11

  17. Carmel E, Agarwal R (2001) Tactical approaches for alleviating distance in global software development. IEEE Softw 18(2):22–29

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Carmel E, Whitaker RD, George JE (1993) PD and joint application design: a transatlantic comparison. Commun ACM 36(6):40–48

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Chandrasekaran B, Josephson JR, Benjamins V (1998) Ontology of tasks and methods. KAW’98, Alberta

    Google Scholar 

  20. Christel M, Kang K (1992) Issues in requirements elicitation. Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh

    Google Scholar 

  21. Clark HH, Brennan SE (1991) Grounding in communication. In: Resnick L, Levine J, Teasley S (eds) Perspectives on socially shared cognition. American Psychological Association, Washington, DC, pp 127–149

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  22. Daft R, Lengel R (1986) Organizational information requirements, media richness and structural design. Manage Sci 32(5):554–571

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Damian D, Zowghi D (2002) The impact of stakeholders geographical distribution on managing requirements in a multi-site organization. In: IEEE joint international conference on requirements engineering, RE’02. Essen, Germany, pp 319–328

  24. Damian D, Eberlein A, Shaw MLG, Gaines BR (2000) Using different communication media in requirements negotiation. IEEE Softw 17(3):28–36

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Damian D, Lanubile F, Mallardo T (2008) On the need for mixed media in distributed requirements negotiations. IEEE Trans Softw Eng 34(1):116–132

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Egan RW, Tremaine M, Fjermestad J (2006) Cultural differences in temporal perceptions and its application to running efficient global software teams. In: ICGSE 2006, IEEE international conference on global software engineering, pp 55–61

  27. Eicher J (1996) Cognitive management™. R&D Innovator5(6)

  28. Ellis CA, Gibbs SJ, Rein GL (1991) Groupware: some issues and experiences. Commun ACM 34(1):38–58

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Espinosa JA, Carmel E (2003) The impact of time separation on coordination in global software teams: a conceptual foundation. Softw Process 8(4):249–266

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Felder R (1996) Matters of styles. ASEE Prism 6(4):18–23

    Google Scholar 

  31. Felder R, Silverman L (1988) Learning and teaching styles in engineering education. Engineering Education 78(7):674–681

    Google Scholar 

  32. Felder R, Spurlin J (2005) Applications, reliability and validity of the index of learning styles. Int J Eng Educ 21(1):103–112

    Google Scholar 

  33. Gralla P (1996) How intranets work. Ziff-Davis Press, Emeryville

    Google Scholar 

  34. Herbsleb JD, Grinter RE (1999) Splitting the organization and integrating the code: Conway’s law revisited. In: 21th International conference on software engineering (ICSE’99). New York, pp 85–95

  35. Herbsleb JD, Atkins D, Boyer D, Handel M, Finholt T (2002) Introducing instant messaging and chat in the workplace. In: SIGCHI conference on Human factors in computing systems: changing our world, changing ourselves. Minneapolis, pp 171–178

  36. Herlea D, Greenberg S (1998) Using a groupware space for distributed requirements engineering. In: 7th IEEE international workshop on coordinating distributed software development projects. Stanford, pp 57–62

  37. Hickey AM, Davis A (2003a) Elicitation technique selection: how do experts do it? In: International joint conference on requirements engineering (RE03). Los Alamitos, pp 169–178

  38. Hickey AM, Davis A (2003b) Requirements elicitation and elicitation technique selection: A model for two knowledge-intensive software development processes. In: 36th Annual Hawaii international conference on systems sciences (HICSS). pp 96–105

  39. Hofstede G (1996) Cultures and organizations, software of the mind: intercultural cooperation and its importance for survival, 1st edn. McGraw-Hill, New York

    Google Scholar 

  40. Johansen, R. (1988). Groupware: computer support for business teams. Free Pr, New York

  41. Juristo N, Moreno A (2001) Basics of software engineering experimentation. Kluwer, Netherlands

  42. Kolb DA, Boyatzis R, Mainemelis C (2000) Experiential learning theory: previous research and new directions. In: Sternberg RJ, Zhang LF (eds) Perspectives on thinking, learning, and cognitive styles. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Mahwah

  43. Lloyd W, Rosson MB, Arthur J (2002) Effectiveness of elicitation techniques in distributed requirements engineering. In: 10th Anniversary IEEE joint international conference on requirements engineering, RE’02. Essen, pp 311–318

  44. Loucopoulos P, Karakostas V (1995) System requirements engineering. New York

  45. MacGregor E, Hsieh Y, Kruchten P (2005) Cultural patterns in software process mishaps: incidents in global projects. ACM SIGSOFT Softw Eng Notes 30(4):1–5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Martín A, Martínez C, Martínez Carod N, Aranda G, Cechich A (2003) Classifying groupware tools to improve communication in geographically distributed elicitation. In: IX Congreso Argentino de Ciencias de la Computación, CACIC 2003. La Plata, pp 942–953

  47. Miller J, Yin Z (2004) A cognitive-based mechanism for constructing software inspection teams. IEEE Trans Softw Eng 30(11):811–825

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Moallem M (2002) The implications of research literature on learning styles for the design and development of a web-based course. In: International conference on computers in education, ICCE 2002. Auckland, pp 71–74

  49. Neches R, Fikes R, Finin T, Gruber T, Patil R, Senator T, Swartout WR (1991) Enabling technology for knowledge sharing. AI Magazine 12(3):16–36

    Google Scholar 

  50. Nuseibeh B, Easterbrook S (2000) Requirement engineering: a roadmap. In: Finkelstein A (ed) The future of software engineering. ACM Press, pp 5–22

  51. Prikladnicki R, Audy J, Evaristo R (2003) Global software development in practice lessons learned. Softw Process 8(4):267–281

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Romero M, Vizcaíno A, Piattini M (2008) Designing a simulator for the training of software engineers in global requirements elicitation. In: WER 2008, workshop on requirements engineering. Barcelona, pp 217–222

  53. Setlock LD, Fussell SR, Neuwirth C (2004) Taking it out of context: collaborating within and across cultures in face-to-face settings and via instant messaging. In: 2004 ACM conference on computer supported cooperative work. Chicago, pp. 604–613

  54. Sims EM (2007) Reusable, lifelike virtual humans for mentoring and role-playing. Comput Educ 49(1):75–92

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Thomas L, Ratcliffe M, Woodbury J, Jarman E (2002) Learning styles and performance in the introductory programming sequence. In: 33rd SIGCSE technical symposium on computer science education. Cincinnati, pp 33–37

  56. Togneri DF, Falbo RDA, de Menezes CS (2002) Supporting cooperative requirements engineering with an automated tool. In: Workshop em Engenharia de Requisitos, WER02. Valencia, pp 240–254

  57. Uschold M, Gruninger M (1996) Ontologies: principles, methods and applications. Knowled Eng Rev 11(2):93–115

    Article  Google Scholar 

  58. Wang Y (2002) On cognitive informatics. In: First IEEE international conference on cognitive informatics, ICCI’02. Calgary, pp 34–42

  59. Wohlin C, Runeson P, Höst M, Ohlsson MC, Regnell B, Wesslén A (2000) Experimentation in software engineering: an introduction. Kluwer

  60. Wu CC, Dale NB, Bethel LJ (1998) Conceptual models and cognitive learning styles in teaching recursion. In: Twenty-ninth SIGCSE technical symposium on computer science education. Atlanta, pp 292–296

Download references

Acknowledgments

This work has been funded by the PEGASO/MAGO project (Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación MICINN and Fondos FEDER, TIN2009-13718-C02-01). It is also supported by MEVALHE (HITO-09-126) and ENGLOBAS (PII2I09-0147-8235) projects, funded by Consejería de Educación y Ciencia (Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha), and co-funded by Fondos FEDER, as well as the MELISA project (PAC08-0142-3315), Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Consejería de Educación y Ciencia in Spain and also by the 04/E072 project from Universidad Nacional del Comahue, in Argentina.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. GIISCo Research Group, Faculty of Informatics, National University of Comahue, Neuquén, Argentina

    Gabriela N. Aranda

  2. ALARCOS Research Group, Information Systems and Technologies Department, UCLM-INDRA Research and Development Institute, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain

    Aurora Vizcaíno & Mario Piattini

Authors
  1. Gabriela N. Aranda
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Aurora Vizcaíno
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Mario Piattini
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Gabriela N. Aranda.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Aranda, G.N., Vizcaíno, A. & Piattini, M. A framework to improve communication during the requirements elicitation process in GSD projects. Requirements Eng 15, 397–417 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00766-010-0105-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00766-010-0105-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation