Collaborative Functional Requirements Development for Large Fixed Bid Applications

We present a new reusable methodology called EUReqA (Evolutionary Use Case Driven Requirement Engineering Approach) that we have developed to collaboratively and efficiently create detailed Functional Specifications for Large Fixed Bid System Development Projects. EUReqA uses an multistage iterative approach for the objective of creating detailed functional specifications. The method followed is analogous to the RUP methodology that is used end-to-end to develop the system itself.

EUReqA uses a 4 stage iterative approach - Discovery, Elicitation, Creation and Transition to build rapport and agreement and build system entities that are acceptable to both functional and technical teams and are understood by both.

The key benefits of the methodology are that the project team developed about 200 number of use cases in about 3 months of elapsed time. The methodology was very well received and Team picked up more champions for our deliverables at each iteration so that the final deliverables went to executive sign-off with unanimous consensus from all interested parties. The key learning was that the boundaries of the work to be done within each iteration should be transparent, each user group should be communicated with clearly, ensure that all stake holders have an opportunity to provide input into the decisions relating to the new "one integrated process, and divide the total body of work into narrower manageable segments.