Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 3
Elicitation and Gathering of Requirements
3.1 Introduction
The Dictionary meaning of the term ''elicit'' is to ''draw forth or bring out'' some-
thing that is latent or potential or ''call forth or draw out'' as information or response.
This connotes a dialog in which information is drawn out from a party possessing the
needed information.
CMMI v 1.3 defines elicitation as ''Using systematic techniques such as proto-
types and structured surveys to proactively identify and document customer and end-
user needs''. This definition too indicates a dialog between software developers and
customers albeit using of techniques like prototyping and surveys to draw out the
needed information.
The Dictionary assigns multiple meanings to the term ''gather''. One of them is
''to bring together'' as in ''tried to gather a crowd''. Another meaning is to pick up or
amass as if ''by harvesting/gathering ideas for the project''. Another one is ''to effect
collection of'' as in ''gather contributions''. As you can see, the term ''gather''
connotes collecting things which are available but scattered over the place.
While most technical documents on requirements management combine both
elicitation and gathering together, they are distinct from each other.
Elicitation is first hand collection of information from individuals who are directly
concerned with the project, using interviews. It is from primary sources. Primary
sources include end users, experts, and brain storming.
Gathering is an indirect collection of information from sources other than human
beings. It is from secondary sources. Secondary sources include documents, existing
applications, and standards and guidelines.
Elicitation and gathering of requirements is the precursor for all requirements
management activities. Both these techniques are widely used by the software
development industry. In some cases, elicitation precedes gathering and in some
cases gathering precedes elicitation. In a few cases only one (either elicitation or
gathering) technique may be used. Scenarios, in which neither of these techniques is
Search WWH ::
Custom Search