A theoretical framework for requirements engineering and process improvement in small and medium software companies
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Date
2014
Authors
Kabaale, Edward
Mayoka Kituyi, Geoffrey
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Requirements engineering (RE) and process improvement has been identified as one of the
key factors for improving software quality. Despite this, little scholarly work has been done on
developing ways to improve the RE process. The situation of RE and process improvement is even
worse in small and medium enterprises that produce software. Consequently, the quality of software
being produced by these companies has kept deteriorating. The purpose of this paper is to design a
framework that will help small and medium software companies improve their RE processes in order to
compete favorably with larger software companies, more especially in terms of software quality.
Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative research approach was adapted. Four software
companies in Uganda were purposively selected to participate in the study. Data were collected using
questionnaires. The requirements for designing the framework were gathered and refined from both
primary and secondary data.
Findings – The key requirements for process improvement in small and medium software companies
were identified as user involvement, use of evolutionary requirements engineering process improvement
(REPI) strategy, change management, training and education, management support and commitment.
Practical implications – The designed framework was validated to ensure that it can be applied in
RE and process improvement in small and medium software companies. Validation results show that
the proposed framework is applicable and can be used to improve RE and process improvement in
small and medium software companies.
Originality/value – The paper presents an improvement of the systematic approach to REPI by
Kabaale and Nabukenya which is decomposed for easy understanding by non-technical readers and users.
Description
Research paper
Keywords
Process design, Process, Process analysis, Software engineering, Process improvement, Reengineering
Citation
Kabaale,E.,Mayoka,K.G.(2014),A theoretical framework for requirements engineering and process improvement in small and medium software companies,21(1),80-99.