Using Contextual Information to Reduce Changes in Information Systems Requirements

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A persistent, and major, challenge in developing information systems is managing changing user requirements. In this research, we propose a way to anticipate such requirements instead of trying to manage them. To do so, we propose a framework for gathering and utilizing relevant contextual information in systems analysis and design. Context, in this research, is any information that is not available (or not needed) in functional and non-functional requirements specification, but useful to: determine the meaning of the requirements, detect an entire set of requirements not previously identified, and resolve potential ambiguities of requirements. Our hypothesis is that: situating users and systems analysts in the right context (even if only a partial context) will generate more accurate, complete requirements, resulting in less changes to user requirements, which are often costly.******To develop the framework, we will first survey and adapt contextual representation developed in related scientific fields for the purposes of systems analysis and design. These include artificial intelligence (e.g., knowledge representation and intelligent agents), organization science (e.g., organizational structure, organizational behavior, and organizational learning), philosophy of science (e.g., narratives to provide contextual information), and learning (e.g., cognitive science and psychology theories). A design science approach will be adopted because our objectives are to: develop a workable artifact (the framework); and evaluate and test it on real world problems. This will require an iterative approach, adopting theories and research results from the related scientific fields.******The general idea of the proposed research is similar to contextual information used in human-computer interactions, the Internet of things, smart homes, robotics, and ubiquitous computing. Work performed in these areas will be used as input. However, employing contextual information in systems analysis is not exactly the same as other areas because the context of systems analysis includes organizational behavior, organizational learning, and complex business processes, which go beyond individuals working in an environment. There has also been significant, relevant work carried out in goal-based requirements engineering, use cases, and user stories that can provide some of the contextual information needed for requirements. This research will add to this knowledge base by including additional, more business and organization centric, context.******Given the small number of successful information systems projects (approximately 30% as reported at https://www.infoq.com/articles/standish-chaos-2015), the potential impact of this research is high and could directly contribute to organizational savings.