Abstract. To alleviate problems in performing the definition of requirements, it is necessary to review and understand the practice of requirements definition (RD). Refinement of RD is necessary in order to improve the processes and effectiveness. The purpose of this paper is to present some results of research performed to refine the RD concept in System Development. The objectives were to obtain an organized, coherent and unified representation of RD. Results of this research will enhance communication among the engineering communities, provide guidance in the effective development and management of requirements and provide the avenue for comparison, measurement, and improvement. Development of the RD representation consisted of identifying the areas of RD, primary functions of each area, and interfaces. The first step, identifying the RD areas, is presented in this paper. Documented RD representations were analyzed to determine a preliminary set of RD areas. A total of five areas were determined. Further research was performed to find evidence to reinforce the five areas determined. The procedures for developing the RD areas are presented. The RD areas identified were:

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