EFFECTIVE SOFTWARE REQUIREMENT ANALYSIS USING FUNCTION TREE MODEL

Abstract

Requirement analysis is a critical phase in software development cycle which involves gathering, comprehending and organizing requirements from various stakeholders. However, current models and methodologies provide limited support in requirement analysis which often causes changing in requirements in later stages. In the study, we introduce a model, called function tree model, for comprehensive and systematic software requirement analysis. Function tree model adopts a tree structure which shows the dependency relationship between requirements. The process of function tree analysis also supports the product managers and designers to identify unarticulated requirements, possible design alternatives and future opportunities for a software product which avoids requirement modification. We demonstrate and evaluate our model through a case study about a bus guide mobile application. Moreover, a user study is conducted to compare the performance of function tree model with a commonly used model. Finally, the study also highlights the value of function tree analysis in various aspects of the software development process.