Uni-REPM: a framework for requirements engineering process assessment

Abstract

PostprintThis is the accepted version of a paper published in Requirements Engineering. This paper has been peer-reviewed but does not include the final publisher proof-corrections or journal pagination.Citation for the original published paper (version of record):Svahnberg, M., Gorschek, T., Nguyen, T., Nguyen, M. (2015) Uni-REPM: a framework for requirements engineering process assessment. (will be inserted by the editor) Uni-REPM -a Framework for Requirements Engineering Process AssessmentMikael Svahnberg · Tony Gorschek · Thi Than Loan Nguyen · Mai Nguyen the date of receipt and acceptance should be inserted later Abstract Context. It has been shown that potential business benefits could be achieved by assessing and improving the requirements engineering (RE) process. However, process assessment models such as CMMI and ISO9000 only cover RE shallowly. Tailored models such as REGPG and REPM, on the other hand, do not cover market-driven requirements engineering. Other attempts, such as MDREPM covers market-driven requirements engineering, but correspondlingly neglects bespoke requirements engineering. Moreover, the area itself has evolved so practices that once were cutting edge are now commonplace. Objectives. In this article we develop and evaluate a unified requirements engineering process maturity model (Uni-REPM) that can be used in a market-driven as well as a bespoke context. This model is based on REPM, but has evolved to reflect contemporary requirements engineering practices. Methods. Uni-REPM is primarily created based on a systematic literature review of market-driven requirements engineering practices and a literature review of bespoke practices. Conclusions. Based on the results, Uni-REPM is formulated. The objective of Uni-REPM is twofold. Firstly, it is expected to be applicable for assessing the maturity of RE processes in various scenarios where an organization would use different development approaches. Secondly, it instructs practitioners about which RE practices to perform and their expected benefits. As an assessment instrument, Uni-REPM provides a simple and low cost solution for practitioners to identify the status of their RE process. As a guidance tool, Uni-REPM lessens the gap between theoretical and practical worlds by transferring the available RE technologies from research to industry practice.

A validated model for the scoping process of quality requirements: a multi-case study

“…We, hence, created a framework called Q-REPM to assess the ways of working. Q-REPM is based on QREME and UNI-REPM (Svahnberg et al 2015).…”

“…UNI-REPM is a requirements engineering process assessment and improvement framework (Svahnberg et al 2015), bridging the gap between the theoretical world and practical reality. UNI-REPM is organized in areas and sub-areas, such as requirements elicitation and deliverable (Svahnberg et al 2015). UNI-REPM defines actions, such as "identify and involve relevant stakeholders" or "Baseline quality levels".…”

“…This is evaluated through Satisfied/explained. Satisfied/explained implies the underlying theory does not apply to that company and can be seen as a deficiency or limitation in the model (Svahnberg et al 2015). Hence, either the model is missing something or is not appropriate for the organization in question.…”

Requirements Engineering for Embedded Systems: The REPES Process

“…5) Definition of process design (RQ3): After the analysis of the information sources, we established the design of the process. We followed the structure of Uni-REPM since it is a universal lightweight model to evaluate the maturity of a RE process [12].…”

Assessing requirements engineering and software test alignment—Five case studies

“…We have a project view to make the assessment concrete, and avoid people give us the best or worst cases picked together from any part at any time in the company. This project focused assessment has been used before with success (Svahnberg et al, 2015).…”