ABSTRACT
The cost and complexity of systems have increased during the last decade. Consequently, the cost of errors introduced through incomplete or inaccurate requirements also has increased. Today's complex information systems often are required to have both traditional and knowledge-based components. This chapter talks about project personnel in planning and managing requirements-gathering activities. For requirements to meet performers' needs, analysts must be able to elicit necessary information and heuristics. Poorly planned requirements elicitation may result in inaccurate requirements-"garbage in, garbage out". The client organization and the group that will be building the system should agree on the purpose, goals, major activities, deliverables, schedule, and acceptance criteria prior to beginning project activities. The reports that are produced after each session provide ongoing documentation of interactions with performers, and reveal system requirements and design issues. During the session, analysts secure a definition of new terms used by the performer.
