Understanding the effects of requirements volatility in software engineering by using analytical modeling and software process simulation

  • Authors:

  • Susan Ferreira;James Collofello;Dan Shunk;Gerald Mackulak

  • Affiliations:

  • Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering Department, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA;Computer Science and Engineering Department, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 76019, USA;Industrial Engineering Department, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 76019, USA;Industrial Engineering Department, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 76019, USA

  • Venue:
  • Journal of Systems and Software
  • Year:
  • 2009

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Abstract

This paper introduces an executable system dynamics simulation model developed to help project managers comprehend the complex impacts related to requirements volatility on a software development project. The simulator extends previous research and adds research results from an empirical survey, including over 50 new parameters derived from the associated survey data, to a base model. The paper discusses detailed results from two cases that show significant cost, schedule, and quality impacts as a result of requirements volatility. The simulator can be used as an effective tool to demonstrate the complex set of factor relationships and effects related to requirements volatility.