Classifying groupware tools to improve communication in geographically distributed elicitation (original) (raw)

Towards a cognitive-based approach to distributed requirement elicitation processes

2005

where communication is crucial, have to be specially rethought in order to deal with these problems. As the requirement elicitation is a human-centred process, we propose using techniques from the field of cognitive psychology to define a new approach for it. Our goal is reducing problems in communication by proposing the most suitable elicitation techniques a ccording to stakeholders' preferences. In this paper, we introduce our approach and illustrate how cognitive styles might be used to improve elicitation.

A cognitive-based approach to improve distributed requirements elicitation processes

2005

Technology used by virtual teams during a distributed requirement elicitation process is usually selected according to predetennined business politics, personal criteria of managers, etc. However, when technology is not appropriate for all members of the team, it is possible that some stakeholders would not feel completely comfortable. and hence influence their participation negatively. In order to mitigate these ef f ects during a distributed requirements elicitation process, we propose a model based on psychology theories to identify suitable elicitation techniques according to cognitive aspects of most stakeholders in the group.

Choosing Groupware Tools and Elicitation Techniques According to Stakeholders’ Features

Enterprise Information Systems VII

The set of groupware tools used during a distributed development process is usually chosen by taking into account predetermined business politics, managers' personal preferences, or people in charge of the project. However, perhaps the chosen groupware tools are not the most appropriate for all the group members and it is possible that some of them would not be completely comfortable with them. To avoid this situation we have built a model and its supporting prototype tool which, based on techniques from psychology, suggests an appropriate set of groupware tools and elicitation techniques according to stakeholders' preferences.

Using a groupware space for distributed requirements engineering

1998

Abstract Requirements engineering (RE) is a necessary part of the software development process, as it helps customers and designers identify necessary system requirements. If these stakeholders are separated by distance, we argue that a distributed groupware environment supporting cooperative requirements engineering process must be supplied that allows them to negotiate software requirements.

Effectiveness of elicitation techniques in distributed requirements engineering

2002

Abstract Software development teams are often geographically distributed from their customers and end users. This creates significant communication and coordination challenges that impact the effectiveness of requirements engineering. Travel costs, and the local availability of quality technical staff increase the demand for effective distributed software development teams.

Facilitation in Distributed Requirements Engineering

2008

Engineering. Group facilitation is an important element of group approaches to Requirements Engineering, which is being challenged by the emergence of distributed practices in software specification and development. Thus thorough empirical investigation of human facilitation in computer-mediated requirements meetings is needed.

An exploratory study of facilitation in distributed requirements engineering

Requirements Engineering, 2003

There is an increasing need to build an understanding of group facilitation in distributed requirements engineering. Group facilitation is an important element of group approaches to requirements engineering, which is being challenged by the emergence of distributed practices in software specification and development. Thus thorough empirical investigation of human facilitation in computer-mediated requirements meetings is needed. This paper presents an exploratory study of facilitation in distributed requirements teams. Three professional facilitators mediate 15 three-person groups in an experimental simulation of software requirements negotiation. Facilitation in face-to-face meetings is contrasted with four group settings in which the facilitator is physically separated from the group or co-located with key stakeholders. Rich qualitative and behavioural data enables an understanding of differences and similarities in the facilitation of face-to-face and distributed groups and of aspects that were detrimental or beneficial to their facilitation. The empirical evidence indicates that a reduced richness of social behaviours in computer-mediated group settings (1) made the group facilitation problematic but also (2) enabled certain facilitation support in the medium itself. The findings of the study are discussed in the light of existing models of the role of the facilitator. Advice from the expert facilitators is presented in the form of recommendations for the facilitation of distributed requirements teams, and worthwhile directions for further research are outlined.

Discovering group communication requirements

2007

Communication is one of the most important aspects to promote collaboration within organizations. The way communication takes place in a collaborative interaction is intrinsic to the nature of the group, the task to be performed and the environment where it occurs. Nevertheless, we observe that most groupware applications relies on basic communication channels, such as chat and message systems, and do not explore other possible communication requirements for each particular situation. This research work proposes a method to guide the definition of group communication requirements. It presents a conceptual framework for group communication aspects based on human communication and computer mediated communication that will be used in the method as a guide for identifying communication requirements.