CSE Senior Design ICSE Senior Design ISenior Design Senior Design Specifications:Specifications:

A GuideA GuideInstructor: Vassilis AthitsosInstructor: Vassilis Athitsos

Several of the slides in this module are a modification and amplification of Several of the slides in this module are a modification and amplification of slides prepared by Mr. Tom Rethard for use in a prior Senior Design Class. slides prepared by Mr. Tom Rethard for use in a prior Senior Design Class.

They were originally for use with They were originally for use with A Discipline for Software EngineeringA Discipline for Software Engineering (Watts (Watts S. Humphrey), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense. Original slides S. Humphrey), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense. Original slides

are copyright SEI; modifications are Copyright © 2002, T. Rethard. Further are copyright SEI; modifications are Copyright © 2002, T. Rethard. Further modifications by Mike O’Dell and Vassilis Athitsos. All Rights Reserved.modifications by Mike O’Dell and Vassilis Athitsos. All Rights Reserved.

1

CSE 4316 2

Product SpecificationsProduct Specifications

Provide the details of whatwhat will be done: Requirements (SRS) Architecture (ADS) Detailed Design Documentation (more

of the howhow at this stage)Provides the basis for system testing

and acceptance

1

CSE 4316 3

StakeholdersStakeholders

Any person or organization that has a vested interest in the success of you project Your customer or sponsor Your company Your company’s owners/stockholders Your management

1

CSE 4316 4

What is a System Requirements What is a System Requirements Specification (SRS)?Specification (SRS)?

A detailed description detailed description of the features and functions of a product, incorporating: End-user and sponsor input Developer input Management input Standards and processes

Your documented commitmentcommitment to deliverYour contractcontract with your stakeholders that

identifies WHAT you will create

(See SRSs from prior teams on class website.)

1

CSE 4316 5

Characteristics of a Good Characteristics of a Good RequirementRequirement

VerifiableVerifiable: stated in a way that allows for independent verification that the system meets or exceeds the stated requirement.

JustifiableJustifiable: necessary, rather than simply desirable

UnambiguousUnambiguous: stated such that multiple interpretations are precluded

1

CSE 4316 6

Characteristics of a Good Characteristics of a Good RequirementRequirement

ConsistentConsistent: no conflict with any other requirement

ModifiableModifiable: should be stated in a way that allows for change based on technical/business considerations.

Hierarchically TraceableHierarchically Traceable: should define a single attribute, traceable back to a higher level requirement.

1

CSE 4316 7

Tips for Successful Requirement Tips for Successful Requirement DeterminationDetermination

Start by establishing what the team thinks the features/functionsfeatures/functions of the system should be Brainstorm as team and write everything

down Keep a simple list (such as the

requirements worksheet on the website)Meet with your sponsorsponsor to review/modify

your list and discuss alternatives Add any features/functions that the sponsor

believes are required

1

CSE 4316 8

Tips for Successful Requirement Tips for Successful Requirement DeterminationDetermination

Consider and add ancillary requirementsancillary requirements E.g., performance, packaging, look and feel

Discuss and add as necessary any “non-“non-functional” requirementsfunctional” requirements E.g., standards that you must adhere to,

maintenance and support, safetyDiscuss and analyze the feasibility analyze the feasibility of

meeting or exceeding each requirement within the budget, time and skills allowed.

1

CSE 4316 9

Tips for Successful Requirement Tips for Successful Requirement DeterminationDetermination

DO NOT DO NOT collect requirements by attempting to fill out the SRS Guide!

List and understand them, THEN write the document

1 ResourcesResources

On course website: Guide and template for Systems

Requirements Specification, accessible from the "Useful Documents" link.

Document libraries from previous senior design projects. Also accessible from the "Useful Documents" link.

CSE 4316 10