A framework for communication of software requirements (in a medium-sized engineering firm in the plant automation industry)
by George, Clement A., Iii, D.Sc., ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY, 2010, 106 pages; 3429216

Abstract:

Industry research indicates that software projects have high failure rates. One major reason is poor communication between the end-users and the software developers that results in inadequately defined project scope. A popular method of communication between the software developers and end-users is a Software Requirements Specification (SRS). Although Software Requirements Specifications are supposed to be a complete description of the software system to be developed, they are often incomplete or not even created. Such situations usually leave the developers searching for undetermined software requirements. What are some of the best practices in determining software requirements? This research study explores the various methods and techniques that software developers use to communicate with supervisors and project members to determine an understanding of the software to be developed. This qualitative study consists of direct observation, an exploratory questionnaire, in-depth interviews, and participant observations. The participants are software developers employed by a medium-sized engineering firm that consults in the plant automation industry. The results of the study provide a documented framework of common practices used by the programmers to communicate software requirements. The documented framework is intended to be used by software developers on future plant software automation projects.
 
AdviserGregory J. Leone
SchoolROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY
SourceDAI/A 71-11, p. , Nov 2010
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsInformation technology; Technical communication; Information science
Publication Number3429216
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