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QRMF: A Multi-Perspective Framework for Quality Requirements Modelling

Saeedi, Kawther Abdulelah

[Thesis]. Manchester, UK: The University of Manchester; 2014.

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Abstract

In recent years, a considerable amount of research has been conducted in modelling non-functional requirements (NFR) or Quality Requirements (QR). However, in comparison with functional requirements (FR) modelling, QR models are still immature and have not been widely adopted. The fundamental reason for this shortfall outlined in this thesis is that the existing QR modelling approaches have not adequately considered the challenging nature of QRs. In this thesis, this limitation is addressed through integrating QR modelling with FR modelling in a multi-perspective modelling framework. This framework, thus called QRMF (Quality Requirements Modelling Framework), is developed offering a process-oriented approach to modelling QR from different views and at different phases of requirement. These models are brought together in a descriptive representation schema, which represents a logical structure to guide the construction of requirement models comprehensively and with consistency. The research presented in the thesis introduces a generic meta-meta model for QRMF to aid understanding the abstract concepts and further guide the modelling process; it offers a reference blueprint to develop a modelling tool applicable to the framework. QRMF is supported by a modelling process, which guides requirement engineers to capture a set of complete, traceable and comprehensible QR models for software system. The thesis presents a case study, which evaluates the practicality and applicability of the QRMF. Finally, the framework is evaluated theoretically, through comparing and contrasting related approaches found in the literature

Layman's Abstract

In recent years, a considerable amount of research has been conducted in modelling non-functional requirements (NFR) or Quality Requirements (QR). However, in comparison with functional requirements (FR) modelling, QR models are still immature and have not been widely adopted. Therefore, this research proposes a Quality Requirement Modelling Framework (QRMF) that aims to guide the construction of QR models in integration with the different perspectives of functional requirement models. The first contribution of this research is an investigation of the QR natural characteristics that challenge QR modelling, and then discover to what extent the current QR modelling frameworks address the identified challenges. Based on this, the framework’s key features are identified consisting of four novel components: a QR description form, a multi-perspective representation schema, a generic meta-model and a generic modelling process. The QR description form is a template that aids identification of QR in an unambiguous and traceable fashion. The elements and relationships of the description form are captured in a QR structural schema that can be easily adopted in the development of tools for modelling, analyzing and validating QR. The multi-perspective representation schema is a matrix representing the transformation of requirements from business to technical levels for the entire requirement modelling views. This structure helps in acquiring the necessary knowledge systematically and cohesively. The generic meta-model is a high-level abstraction for QRMF concepts that helps to further understand the framework’s features, guides the modelling process and also a reference blueprint for developing a modelling tool applicable to the framework. The meta-model conveys generic concepts can be adopted without restricting modelling notations or approaches. The generic modelling process offers a constructive method to guide requirement engineers in constructing requirement models out of the framework perspectives. The modelling process offers generic guidelines on the use of the framework without restricting requirement modelling approaches. The the utility and adaptability of framework are illustrated using a case study offering an example of how the QRMF can be applied to a specific project using different requirements modelling approaches and notations.

Bibliographic metadata

Type of resource:
Content type:
Administered thesis
Form of thesis:
Traditional
Type of submission:
Doctoral level ETD - final
Thesis title:
QRMF: A Multi-Perspective Framework for Quality Requirements Modelling
Degree type:
Doctor of Philosophy
Degree programme:
PhD Computer Science
Publication date:
2014-06-23T08:44:42
Institution:
The University of Manchester
Location:
Manchester, UK
Total pages:
205
Abstract:
In recent years, a considerable amount of research has been conducted in modelling non-functional requirements (NFR) or Quality Requirements (QR). However, in comparison with functional requirements (FR) modelling, QR models are still immature and have not been widely adopted. The fundamental reason for this shortfall outlined in this thesis is that the existing QR modelling approaches have not adequately considered the challenging nature of QRs. In this thesis, this limitation is addressed through integrating QR modelling with FR modelling in a multi-perspective modelling framework. This framework, thus called QRMF (Quality Requirements Modelling Framework), is developed offering a process-oriented approach to modelling QR from different views and at different phases of requirement. These models are brought together in a descriptive representation schema, which represents a logical structure to guide the construction of requirement models comprehensively and with consistency. The research presented in the thesis introduces a generic meta-meta model for QRMF to aid understanding the abstract concepts and further guide the modelling process; it offers a reference blueprint to develop a modelling tool applicable to the framework. QRMF is supported by a modelling process, which guides requirement engineers to capture a set of complete, traceable and comprehensible QR models for software system. The thesis presents a case study, which evaluates the practicality and applicability of the QRMF. Finally, the framework is evaluated theoretically, through comparing and contrasting related approaches found in the literature
Layman's abstract:
In recent years, a considerable amount of research has been conducted in modelling non-functional requirements (NFR) or Quality Requirements (QR). However, in comparison with functional requirements (FR) modelling, QR models are still immature and have not been widely adopted. Therefore, this research proposes a Quality Requirement Modelling Framework (QRMF) that aims to guide the construction of QR models in integration with the different perspectives of functional requirement models. The first contribution of this research is an investigation of the QR natural characteristics that challenge QR modelling, and then discover to what extent the current QR modelling frameworks address the identified challenges. Based on this, the framework’s key features are identified consisting of four novel components: a QR description form, a multi-perspective representation schema, a generic meta-model and a generic modelling process. The QR description form is a template that aids identification of QR in an unambiguous and traceable fashion. The elements and relationships of the description form are captured in a QR structural schema that can be easily adopted in the development of tools for modelling, analyzing and validating QR. The multi-perspective representation schema is a matrix representing the transformation of requirements from business to technical levels for the entire requirement modelling views. This structure helps in acquiring the necessary knowledge systematically and cohesively. The generic meta-model is a high-level abstraction for QRMF concepts that helps to further understand the framework’s features, guides the modelling process and also a reference blueprint for developing a modelling tool applicable to the framework. The meta-model conveys generic concepts can be adopted without restricting modelling notations or approaches. The generic modelling process offers a constructive method to guide requirement engineers in constructing requirement models out of the framework perspectives. The modelling process offers generic guidelines on the use of the framework without restricting requirement modelling approaches. The the utility and adaptability of framework are illustrated using a case study offering an example of how the QRMF can be applied to a specific project using different requirements modelling approaches and notations.
Keyword(s):
Thesis main supervisor(s):
Thesis co-supervisor(s):
Thesis advisor(s):
Funder(s):
Degree grantor:
Language:
en

Institutional metadata

University researcher(s):
Academic department(s):

Record metadata

Manchester eScholar ID:
uk-ac-man-scw:227567
Created by:
Saeedi, Kawther
Created:
23rd June, 2014, 07:44:43
Last modified by:
Saeedi, Kawther
Last modified:
1st August, 2014, 10:16:42

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