An evaluation of inquiry-based requirements analysis for an Internet service

Abstract

The inquiry cycle is a generic process model for conducting requirements elaboration. It consists of three activities: requirements expression, discussion and commitment. The paper describes an evaluation of the inquiry cycle model and a support tool, Tuiqiao, in the requirements analysis phase of a real project, a proposed commercial consumer information service based on Internet. The extent to which the discussion of requirements follows the inquiry cycle is analyzed using quantitative measures and qualitative classification schemes, and effects of adopting an inquiry-based strategy on patterns of collaboration among the team members are analyzed. The project gradually shifted from synchronous meetings to asynchronous and individual work patterns. A shift also occurred from an emphasis on discussion to an emphasis on commitment and expression. The requirements elaboration process was consistent with most aspects of the inquiry cycle, but analysts did not record reasons for requirements. The paper concludes with some recommendations for tool support.