The subject of Requirements Engineering (RE) is often written about, but can get bogged down in detail which is not core to the key principles of the subject. There is a need clearly to lay these out so that practitioners can make their own, informed decisions in an increasingly complex engineering world.
I have the honour of writing the INCOSE 'Don't Panic...' guide to Requirements Engineering. The book’s aims are to provide a clear explanation of the subject’s elements and their relationships, and to guide the reader in a logical approach to applying them such that the beginner can start to practice the craft.
Following the good practice I’m writing about, I would like to understand the needs of the book’s potential beneficiaries, the readership, and that is what this questionnaire is for. I would very much appreciate hearing about what RE issues you have and what you would like to learn from a (short) 'Don't Panic...' guide on the subject. I can't promise to answer every question in the book, but will do my best to cover significant points raised.
1. If you are new to the field, what questions would you particularly like answered about the theory or practice of Requirements Engineering (RE)?
2. If you are an experienced practitioner, what do you wish you had known earlier?
3. What are the main difficulties (theoretical or practical) you face in applying good RE?
4. What problems have you seen solved or prevented through the application of good RE practice? Can you provide examples?
5. Have you come across a situation which was made worse by the application of good RE practice? Can you provide examples?
6. Are there any fields/domains where application of RE is not appropriate? If so, why?
7. What are the most important characteristics of a Requirements Engineer?
8. What is your level of experience in Requirements Engineering?
9. OPTIONAL: Please provide some details about yourself
10. Anything else you'd like to add?