A model and decision support mechanism for software requirements engineering

This dissertation introduces a formal model for requirements analysis and evolution and a decision support mechanism based on that model. Both the model and the decision support mechanism provide automated support for the early part of the prototyping process. The model is used to capture user reactions to the demonstrated behavior of a prototype and map these reactions into the model objects to be used in synthesizing a set of open issues to be resolved. The issues are resolved by examining and modifying requirements if necessary, and then propagating the change consequences down into the affected parts of system specification and implementations in a consistent and controlled manner. This process is performed through a set of analysis and design activities controlled by the manager and aided by the decision support mechanism based on the formal model. This approach also provides support for maintaining design history and its rationale that can be used for implementing new needs or performing comparative studies to choose among alternatives. A formalism is also developed that supports customers in choosing among available alternatives to requirements that satisfy their goals and meet other constraints. A database is an important component of any decision support mechanism. This work also provides a conceptual design of an engineering database capable of representing and managing the process knowledge. This knowledge includes all information related to a software prototype design. The management of this information includes storing, retrieving, viewing, and controlling the design knowledge. The design of this engineering database is based on the object oriented paradigm. This paradigm provides the representation power to easily map our model objects and their relationships efficiently and naturally.

Grantor dc:publisher

Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School

Year dc:date.issued

1996

Author dc:creator

• Ibrahim, Osman Mohamed.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Berzins, Valdis

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10945/32250

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:calhoun.nps.edu:10945/32250