Requirements Specifications: Goals and Conflict Analysis

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/requirements-specification-goals

Introduction

**Course Review: Requirements Specifications: Goals and Conflict Analysis** In the dynamic field of software development and project management, precise communication and a deep understanding of stakeholder objectives are paramount. Coursera’s course "Requirements Specifications: Goals and Conflict Analysis" effectively addresses these areas, guiding learners from the complexities of verbal communication to the essentials of concise and actionable written requirements. ### Overview This course serves as an educational bridge from informal discussions to formal documentation, a crucial transition for professionals involved in requirements engineering. Students are introduced to the foundations of effective goal setting and the creation of use cases, which are integral to understanding user needs and project specifications. However, the course doesn’t shy away from the tougher subjects either, addressing potential pitfalls through discussions on misuse and abuse cases that can threaten project integrity. ### Course Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Goal Creation** The course begins with a crucial module on goal creation. After gathering insights from customers, participants will learn to analyze, evaluate, and negotiate effectively. This section emphasizes the importance of articulating clear, measurable goals, both high-level and detailed. From setting behavioral goals, students gain the tools to form a strong basis for subsequent requirement analysis. 2. **Use, Misuse, and Abuse Cases** With concrete goals in hand, participants then pivot to create use cases that encapsulate those objectives. This module is not only about defining what the system should do but also about understanding what can go wrong. Discussions on misuse and abuse cases provide valuable insights into risk management and security considerations, ensuring that developers are well-equipped to anticipate and mitigate potential problems. 3. **Group Sessions for Elicitation, Analysis, and Negotiation** Acknowledging that group dynamics can often reveal invaluable insights, this module focuses on effective strategies for conducting group sessions. It trains participants on facilitating discussions that stimulate information gathering while also managing potential conflicts. These sessions become a critical tool for refining requirements and ensuring that all perspectives are considered. 4. **Finding Conflicts and Risks** Inconsistencies are often a hidden pitfall in requirements documentation. Here, learners will explore different types of inconsistencies and learn methodologies to identify and resolve conflicts. This segment aims to empower participants with the knowledge to foresee and rectify potential issues before they escalate, fostering a smoother development process. ### Course Recommendations "Requirements Specifications: Goals and Conflict Analysis" is highly recommended for professionals in requirements engineering, project management, and software development. Whether you are a novice seeking to understand the basics or an experienced professional aiming to refine your skills in stakeholder negotiation and requirements documentation, this course offers significant value. #### What You Will Gain - An understanding of how to transform customer insights into actionable and measurable goals. - Skills to craft clear and functional use cases which facilitate better communication between clients and developers. - Strategies to conduct productive group sessions that drive elicitations and negotiations of requirements. - Techniques to identify, address, and resolve conflicts, enhancing your capability to manage stakeholder expectations effectively. ### Conclusion Overall, Coursera’s "Requirements Specifications: Goals and Conflict Analysis" is a comprehensive course that addresses key competencies needed in the field of requirements engineering. The blend of theoretical knowledge with practical skills makes it not only informative but also applicable in real-world scenarios. Enrolling in this course is a smart move for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of requirements specifications and conflict management.

Syllabus

Goal Creation

After learning a lot from your customers, you now need to analyze, evaluate, and negotiate. One way to begin working with the data is to write out explicit goals from the information you've gathered. Goals can be written at high and low levels, but they need to be clear and measurable at any level. The first step is determining behavioral goals.

Once goals have been identified, they can be pulled together to create use cases; these are easy to read and understand by both customer and developer. To address security, misuse cases and abuse cases can also be defined, in written or drawn form.

While writing use cases, you'll likely realize that you are missing many components, have questions, and realize that some statements conflict. Group Sessions can help you get more information quickly and begin the negotiation process. Here you'll learn about different types of group sessions and how to make group sessions efficient and effective.

Inconsistency and conflicts often arise due to language that's being used. There are many types of inconsistency that you can identify early on. The conflicts identified need to be clarified and fixed. In this module, identifying inconsistency, identifying clashes, and handling conflict are discussed.