Overcoming barriers to participation during requirements elicitation

Abstract

In this article, management strategies for participation during requirements elicitation are analysed. Using an outline of research factors derived from method engineering and strategic collaboration factors, this article presents an exploratory case study that was conducted within a high tech company to determine themes for managing participation during requirements elicitation. The main empirical contribution of the article is evidence from a thematic analysis of the study that describes how requirements analysts manage and take part in elicitation activities and how potential barriers are overcome. Twenty four strategic collaboration themes and five method engineering themes were found in the participative elicitation process from two projects. The article also makes a conceptual contribution in the form of strategic information systems considerations derived from the participation management themes captured in the case company.