Classification and challenges of non-functional requirements in ML-enabled systems: A systematic literature review

IF 3.8 2区计算机科学 Q2 COMPUTER SCIENCE, INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Information and Software Technology Pub Date : 2025-02-11 DOI:10.1016/j.infsof.2025.107678

Vincenzo De Martino, Fabio Palomba

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Context:

Machine learning (ML) is nowadays so pervasive and diffused that virtually no application can avoid its use. Nonetheless, its enormous potential is often tempered by the need to manage non-functional requirements (NFRs) and navigate pressing, contrasting trade-offs.

Objective:

In this respect, we notice a lack of systematic synthesis of challenges explicitly tied to achieving and managing NFRs in ML-enabled systems. Such a synthesis may not only provide a comprehensive summary of the state of the art but also drive further research on the analysis, management, and optimization of NFRS of ML-enabled systems.

Method:

In this paper, we propose a systematic literature review targeting two key aspects such as (1) the classification of the NFRs investigated so far, and (2) the challenges associated with achieving and managing NFRs in ML-enabled systems during model development Through the combination of well-established guidelines for conducting systematic literature reviews and additional search criteria, we survey a total amount of 130 research articles.

Results:

Our findings report that current research identified 31 different NFRs, which can be grouped into six main classes. We also compiled a catalog of 26 software engineering challenges, emphasizing the need for further research to systematically address, prioritize, and balance NFRs in ML-enabled systems.

Conclusion:

We conclude our work by distilling implications and a future outlook on the topic.

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来源期刊

Information and Software Technology 工程技术-计算机：软件工程

CiteScore

9.10

自引率

7.70%

发文量

164

审稿时长

9.6 weeks

期刊介绍： Information and Software Technology is the international archival journal focusing on research and experience that contributes to the improvement of software development practices. The journal''s scope includes methods and techniques to better engineer software and manage its development. Articles submitted for review should have a clear component of software engineering or address ways to improve the engineering and management of software development. Areas covered by the journal include: • Software management, quality and metrics, • Software processes, • Software architecture, modelling, specification, design and programming • Functional and non-functional software requirements • Software testing and verification & validation • Empirical studies of all aspects of engineering and managing software development Short Communications is a new section dedicated to short papers addressing new ideas, controversial opinions, "Negative" results and much more. Read the Guide for authors for more information. The journal encourages and welcomes submissions of systematic literature studies (reviews and maps) within the scope of the journal. Information and Software Technology is the premiere outlet for systematic literature studies in software engineering.