An automated tool support for managing implicit requirements using Analogy-based Reasoning

Abstract

Systems requirements are crucial to the proper functioning of a software and must be met for a project to be successful. Hence the need for its effective management. Implicit Requirements (IMRs) however are difficult to manage as a result of their nature-vague, unclear, and ambiguous amongst other characteristics. The process of requirement management is a continuous cycle as change in requirements and emergence of new requirements occur in a system. Hence the need for a tool/approach which identifies and manages requirements (implicit and explicit) effectively. However, most systems do not manage implicit requirements as a lot of attention is focused on explicit requirements. This research presents an approach for identification and management of IMRs using Analogy-based Reasoning in combination with two other core technologies (Ontology and Natural Language Processing). The approach is supported by a prototype tool, which was assessed by conducting a preliminary evaluation. The results indicate that the approach enables for early identification of IMRs when used with a good domain ontology and is potentially suitable for application in practice by experts.