Re: Let's get real about requirements!


rickman wrote:

So then the real requirement is to "use my common sense"?

Does anyone here know what requirements are for?

It depends who's asking. If this is for a college essay, there is one
answer. If this is for a report to a pointy-haired boss, there is a
different answer. If this is for an induction guide to a neophyte
co-worker, there is a different answer.

This statement is not intended to be facetious. Requirements are like
statistics; they mean different things to different people.

An engineering professor might want to hear you state that requirements
are an exhaustive list of design parameters, in terms of which the
success or failure of a project is defined. A successful project is one
that has met its requirements, and a project that has met its
requirements is successful.

A PHB might prefer to hear that requirements are the important design
parameters without which marketing cannot accept the product. If all
requirements are met (regardless of how insane), Engineering has
carried out its duty in full. A wise engineer will footnote this with
suitable weasel words indicating an ability and willingness to redefine
the English language sufficiently to snatch compliance from the jaws of
noncompliance.

A neophyte should be told the truth; requirements are a list of
supposed "must-haves" that are, in reality, fully negotiable
(especially as deadlines loom). Each "must-have" not delivered is,
however, a poker chip paid back to Marketing. The larger the number of
these poker chips surrendered by Engineering, the more ammunition
Marketing has to blame Engineering for the failure of the product to
sell.

.

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