Textual analysis of defects in engineering documentation via systematic decision execution

Abstract

This paper focuses on the Requirements Engineering process's vital role during systems development as the preparatory point and critical foundation of Systems Engineering. This paper proposes a framework for structuring decisions, based upon the INCOSE Decision Management Process that improves decisions early in the System Life Cycle. This paper introduces and applies the Nexus Engineering Execution Generation (NEX GEN) framework, a novel and unique capability to improve requirements by enabling a prediction of their impact on expected systems' performance to gain efficiencies in budget and acquisition. Using this framework defines requirements in a quantitative manner to determine documented requirement issues. Regression analysis indicated a statistically significant relationship between the predictor variable of ambiguity (linguistic quality attribute) and the response variable of system performance (usability metric). This study provides a framework and metrics as a complementary method for the development of requirements in a theoretical manner for the reflective practitioner. This framework is demonstrated through multiple federal system program case studies. K E Y W O R D Sdecision theory, probability theory, requirements engineering, system performance, systems engineering 358