A requirements engineering analysis of MoReq

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an analysis of the MoRe2010 specification while identifying the best practices and techniques of requirements engineering's (RE) body of knowledge that could be applied to improve the quality of this specification.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering the scope of MoReq, the authors describe the most relevant related RE techniques and common practices. Next, they evaluate the potential impact of applying these techniques to MoReq2010.

Findings

Bearing in mind that MoReq2010 is embodied as a textual document, the paper discusses how the structure and the writing style of this document could be improved by adopting: a pre‐defined structure template; standard‐based guidelines; and well‐defined requirements quality criteria. Also considering that MoReq2010 is the result of a collaborative process, it is also suggested how the authoring process could be improved by using traceability, prioritisation, and other requirements management techniques.

Research limitations/implications

The paper only assesses the MoReq2010 specification as it was made public. Thus, although it is considered that requirements discovery approaches are very important for the quality of any final result, the paper does not discuss the techniques that were eventually used to elicit original stakeholders' needs.

Originality/value

The paper synthesizes several recommendations that, if followed, will have a strong impact on the overall quality of MoReq2010. Furthermore, as it is believed that these recommendations are not disruptive, they can be directly applied against the current version of MoReq2010.

Citation

Vieira, R., Ferreira, D., Borbinha, J. and Gaspar, G. (2012), "A requirements engineering analysis of MoReq", Records Management Journal, Vol. 22 No. 3, pp. 212-228. https://doi.org/10.1108/09565691211284407