A socio-technical view of the requirements engineering process
- Authors: Marnewick, Annlizé
- Date: 2013-12-09
- Subjects: Business requirements analysis , Engineering - Management , Business planning , Business analysts
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7858 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8751
- Description: D.Ing. (Engineering Management) , The requirements discipline is at the heart of systems engineering, software engineering and business analysis. When a solution needs to be developed, built or bought that will be useful to the users and that will achieve the intended business goals, the problem needs to be understood before a possible solution can be developed. This process of understanding the problem that needs to be solved and what the solution should achieve is referred to as the requirements process. Requirements are the input to the solution development process. If the requirements are incorrect, the developed solution will not be useful. The purpose of this study was to discover the social behaviour of practitioners that causes the communication breakdowns during the requirements engineering process. Requirements emerge from the social interaction and communication between the requirements practitioner and the various stakeholders. The main problems with the requirements engineering process are communication and coordination breakdowns, as well as the lack of domain knowledge or understanding of the problem. These challenges are all related to the social interaction during the requirements engineering process that impacts the quality of requirements. Researchers have made significant progress in the development of methodologies. Tools and techniques are available for improving the quality of requirements. However, in practice, requirements are still produced with errors which then leads to unsuccessful solutions to problems. The requirements engineering process is executed within a social context. These social elements should be taken into consideration to improve quality. Based on the results collected from real-world practice as well as people’s behaviour in the real world, a complete understanding of the influence on the requirements process was derived. This understanding was used to identify the social elements required during the requirements engineering process. A socio-technical view is provided of the social and the technical activities that should be facilitated by the requirements engineering process. This framework integrates the required communicative activities with the traditional requirements activity. This socio-technical framework for the requirements engineering process was developed based on a survey. The aim of this framework is to overcome the social behaviour that causes communication breakdowns and impacts on the quality of the requirements. The research contributes to the existing requirements knowledge base. The socio-technical framework developed for the requirements process concerns the communication breakdowns continuously highlighted as a contributing factor to poor requirements, by providing the social activities required during the requirements process as guidance. Secondly, the knowledge acquired provides adequate data on requirements practice for future research. Specific focus areas for practitioners and managers on how to improve the requirements engineering process without the adoption of any new tools or methodologies are also included in the results. Additionally, practitioners’ behaviour was determined. By determining these interaction and relationship patterns, communication can be improved and made more effective.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Marnewick, Annlizé
- Date: 2013-12-09
- Subjects: Business requirements analysis , Engineering - Management , Business planning , Business analysts
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7858 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8751
- Description: D.Ing. (Engineering Management) , The requirements discipline is at the heart of systems engineering, software engineering and business analysis. When a solution needs to be developed, built or bought that will be useful to the users and that will achieve the intended business goals, the problem needs to be understood before a possible solution can be developed. This process of understanding the problem that needs to be solved and what the solution should achieve is referred to as the requirements process. Requirements are the input to the solution development process. If the requirements are incorrect, the developed solution will not be useful. The purpose of this study was to discover the social behaviour of practitioners that causes the communication breakdowns during the requirements engineering process. Requirements emerge from the social interaction and communication between the requirements practitioner and the various stakeholders. The main problems with the requirements engineering process are communication and coordination breakdowns, as well as the lack of domain knowledge or understanding of the problem. These challenges are all related to the social interaction during the requirements engineering process that impacts the quality of requirements. Researchers have made significant progress in the development of methodologies. Tools and techniques are available for improving the quality of requirements. However, in practice, requirements are still produced with errors which then leads to unsuccessful solutions to problems. The requirements engineering process is executed within a social context. These social elements should be taken into consideration to improve quality. Based on the results collected from real-world practice as well as people’s behaviour in the real world, a complete understanding of the influence on the requirements process was derived. This understanding was used to identify the social elements required during the requirements engineering process. A socio-technical view is provided of the social and the technical activities that should be facilitated by the requirements engineering process. This framework integrates the required communicative activities with the traditional requirements activity. This socio-technical framework for the requirements engineering process was developed based on a survey. The aim of this framework is to overcome the social behaviour that causes communication breakdowns and impacts on the quality of the requirements. The research contributes to the existing requirements knowledge base. The socio-technical framework developed for the requirements process concerns the communication breakdowns continuously highlighted as a contributing factor to poor requirements, by providing the social activities required during the requirements process as guidance. Secondly, the knowledge acquired provides adequate data on requirements practice for future research. Specific focus areas for practitioners and managers on how to improve the requirements engineering process without the adoption of any new tools or methodologies are also included in the results. Additionally, practitioners’ behaviour was determined. By determining these interaction and relationship patterns, communication can be improved and made more effective.
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A theoretical pre-assessment of solar photovoltaic electrical production for commerical retail centers
- Van Vuuren, Dirk Johan, Marnewick, Annlizé, Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Authors: Van Vuuren, Dirk Johan , Marnewick, Annlizé , Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Photovoltaic , Renewable energy , Developing economies
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/273140 , uj:29094 , Citation: Van Vuuren, D.J., Marnewick, A. & Pretorius, J.H. 2018. A theoretical pre-assessment of solar photovoltaic electrical production for commerical retail centers.
- Description: Abstract: The successful implementation of solar photovoltaic technology in retail centers has enabled various consumers the ability to generate and consume electricity on the same premises, reducing electricity costs and dependency on currently utilities. The rooftop mounting solution consists of affixing the photovoltaic modules on existing roof structures of retail centres. Accelerated deployment of photovoltaic technologies in recent history (within developing countries) led to various logistical, technical and bureaucratic barriers arising. A comprehensive understanding of these barriers is required to ensure efficient and effective deployment of the technology in developing countries. This study investigates the assessment considerations for the pre-deployment phase of photovoltaic technologies in retail centres. Environmental-, policy-, technical-, and financial factors are identified as the main barriers affecting the financial viability and Return on Investment of such a project. The evolution of this technology within developing countries and the integration of PV and retail centres are investigated. Finally, various financial evaluation criteria are presented to which the viability of the technology is determined. Understanding of the various barriers ensures effective deployment of the technology in retail centres, commercial and residential sectors of an economy.
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- Authors: Van Vuuren, Dirk Johan , Marnewick, Annlizé , Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Photovoltaic , Renewable energy , Developing economies
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/273140 , uj:29094 , Citation: Van Vuuren, D.J., Marnewick, A. & Pretorius, J.H. 2018. A theoretical pre-assessment of solar photovoltaic electrical production for commerical retail centers.
- Description: Abstract: The successful implementation of solar photovoltaic technology in retail centers has enabled various consumers the ability to generate and consume electricity on the same premises, reducing electricity costs and dependency on currently utilities. The rooftop mounting solution consists of affixing the photovoltaic modules on existing roof structures of retail centres. Accelerated deployment of photovoltaic technologies in recent history (within developing countries) led to various logistical, technical and bureaucratic barriers arising. A comprehensive understanding of these barriers is required to ensure efficient and effective deployment of the technology in developing countries. This study investigates the assessment considerations for the pre-deployment phase of photovoltaic technologies in retail centres. Environmental-, policy-, technical-, and financial factors are identified as the main barriers affecting the financial viability and Return on Investment of such a project. The evolution of this technology within developing countries and the integration of PV and retail centres are investigated. Finally, various financial evaluation criteria are presented to which the viability of the technology is determined. Understanding of the various barriers ensures effective deployment of the technology in retail centres, commercial and residential sectors of an economy.
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Factors influencing research in an engineering faculty
- Reynecke, Nicoline, Marnewick, Annlizé, Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Authors: Reynecke, Nicoline , Marnewick, Annlizé , Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Engineering department , Factors that influence research , Research productivity
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/256002 , uj:26867 , Citation: Reynecke, N., Marnewick, A. & Pretorius, J. 2017. Factors influencing research in an engineering faculty.
- Description: Abstract: In the last few years, universities have been changing from traditional teaching universities into research ones to accommodate the rapid advances in knowledge and technology. Research and knowledge cannot be left without some form of management to direct the performance and outcome of researchers. Identifying the factors that influence research output and then finding ways to manage these factors through the use of support systems and managerial approaches can lead to an increase in research outputs. According to staff members surveyed, the factors that have the most impact on research are working with top-quality colleagues and linking some form of monetary or nonmonetary rewards with doing research. Staff members also indicated that having free time during working hours to do research would be beneficial, along with knowing how resources are allocated and attending time management workshops.
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- Authors: Reynecke, Nicoline , Marnewick, Annlizé , Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Engineering department , Factors that influence research , Research productivity
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/256002 , uj:26867 , Citation: Reynecke, N., Marnewick, A. & Pretorius, J. 2017. Factors influencing research in an engineering faculty.
- Description: Abstract: In the last few years, universities have been changing from traditional teaching universities into research ones to accommodate the rapid advances in knowledge and technology. Research and knowledge cannot be left without some form of management to direct the performance and outcome of researchers. Identifying the factors that influence research output and then finding ways to manage these factors through the use of support systems and managerial approaches can lead to an increase in research outputs. According to staff members surveyed, the factors that have the most impact on research are working with top-quality colleagues and linking some form of monetary or nonmonetary rewards with doing research. Staff members also indicated that having free time during working hours to do research would be beneficial, along with knowing how resources are allocated and attending time management workshops.
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Multinational team alignment in Mexican construction engineering design projects
- Powys, Melissa, Marnewick, Annlizé, Pretorius, Jan-harm
- Authors: Powys, Melissa , Marnewick, Annlizé , Pretorius, Jan-harm
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Team alignment , Project success , Engineering design management
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/271126 , uj:28830 , Citation: Powys, M., Marnewick, A. & Pretorius, J. 2018. Multinational team alignment in Mexican construction engineering design projects.
- Description: Abstract: Multinational project success is achieved through team alignment. As engineering, design projects become more global, design teams now consist of multiple nationalities. This affects team alignment in terms of culture, skills and goals. Many cultural studies provide insight into the dynamic of multinational teams across the globe yet the approach to management of a multinational engineering team with a strong Mexican influence in limited. An ethnographic case study of a mega engineering, cross-cultural project in Mexico was undertaken over a period of 2.5years, utilising a scorecard to evaluate the influence of the Mexican culture on team alignment. Focused interviews with key participants within the project validated the findings. Mexican team alignment is best achieved by addressing both cultural and goal alignment as interdependent elements. Multinational project teams in Mexico must be culturally aware and align the objectives of the project to the local environment to achieve project success in Mexican terms.
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- Authors: Powys, Melissa , Marnewick, Annlizé , Pretorius, Jan-harm
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Team alignment , Project success , Engineering design management
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/271126 , uj:28830 , Citation: Powys, M., Marnewick, A. & Pretorius, J. 2018. Multinational team alignment in Mexican construction engineering design projects.
- Description: Abstract: Multinational project success is achieved through team alignment. As engineering, design projects become more global, design teams now consist of multiple nationalities. This affects team alignment in terms of culture, skills and goals. Many cultural studies provide insight into the dynamic of multinational teams across the globe yet the approach to management of a multinational engineering team with a strong Mexican influence in limited. An ethnographic case study of a mega engineering, cross-cultural project in Mexico was undertaken over a period of 2.5years, utilising a scorecard to evaluate the influence of the Mexican culture on team alignment. Focused interviews with key participants within the project validated the findings. Mexican team alignment is best achieved by addressing both cultural and goal alignment as interdependent elements. Multinational project teams in Mexico must be culturally aware and align the objectives of the project to the local environment to achieve project success in Mexican terms.
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The effect of requirements engineering on the success of system implementation : a comparative case study
- Authors: Marnewick, Annlizé
- Date: 2014-07-28
- Subjects: Engineering - Management - Data processing , Project management - Data processing , Systems engineering
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:11897 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11625
- Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Requirements engineering forms an integral part of software engineering. The purpose of requirements engineering is to provide high quality requirements for a system or solution. These requirements are then utilised by developers to produce a high quality system. They also assist project managers to better plan the schedule and costing of information technology projects, resultinq in cost savinqs. The problem is that although formal definitions and processes do exist for requirements engineering, projects are still failing due to the poor quality of requirements, This study investigates this phenomenon, in particular to understand why project teams cannot deliver high quality requirements. This is done against the background of the processes and standards available to organisations. The root cause of the problem is researched to determine whether the processes are the cause or whether other factors are contributing to poor quality requirements. This study makes use of two cases within one organisation to determine what the contributing factors are with regard to poor and good quality requirements. The cases provide information on why one project delivered good quality requirements and another project within same organisation, the same business unit, with the same support structure, delivered poor quality requirements. It is perceived that the case study method was a valid method in this particular research study as it provided the researcher with in-depth knowledge and observations on how organisations deal with the process of requirements engineering. It was found that the quality and clarity of communication or the lack thereof plays a significant role in the quality of requirements. This research provides an alternative view on the factors contributing towards poor quality requirements. This implies that organisations can train or educate requirements engineers in communication skills. The skill of communication allows a requirements engineer to create a trust relationship with customers, and this empowers him/her to elicit good quality requirements from the users.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Marnewick, Annlizé
- Date: 2014-07-28
- Subjects: Engineering - Management - Data processing , Project management - Data processing , Systems engineering
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:11897 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11625
- Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Requirements engineering forms an integral part of software engineering. The purpose of requirements engineering is to provide high quality requirements for a system or solution. These requirements are then utilised by developers to produce a high quality system. They also assist project managers to better plan the schedule and costing of information technology projects, resultinq in cost savinqs. The problem is that although formal definitions and processes do exist for requirements engineering, projects are still failing due to the poor quality of requirements, This study investigates this phenomenon, in particular to understand why project teams cannot deliver high quality requirements. This is done against the background of the processes and standards available to organisations. The root cause of the problem is researched to determine whether the processes are the cause or whether other factors are contributing to poor quality requirements. This study makes use of two cases within one organisation to determine what the contributing factors are with regard to poor and good quality requirements. The cases provide information on why one project delivered good quality requirements and another project within same organisation, the same business unit, with the same support structure, delivered poor quality requirements. It is perceived that the case study method was a valid method in this particular research study as it provided the researcher with in-depth knowledge and observations on how organisations deal with the process of requirements engineering. It was found that the quality and clarity of communication or the lack thereof plays a significant role in the quality of requirements. This research provides an alternative view on the factors contributing towards poor quality requirements. This implies that organisations can train or educate requirements engineers in communication skills. The skill of communication allows a requirements engineer to create a trust relationship with customers, and this empowers him/her to elicit good quality requirements from the users.
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The impact of the application of governance principles in municipal government projects: a metropolitan municipality case study
- Mthembu, Ndumiso, Marnewick, Annlizé
- Authors: Mthembu, Ndumiso , Marnewick, Annlizé
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Impact , Good corporate governance principles , Project governance
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/271119 , uj:28829 , Citation: Mthembu, N. & Marnewick, A. 2018. The impact of the application of governance principles in municipal government projects: a metropolitan municipality case study.
- Description: Abstract: The use of governance principles in projects implemented within the government sector provides tangible benefits in terms of projects achieving the intended objectives. Governance of projects is often related to the ability of organisations to demonstrate the ability to administer projects in line with organisational policy thereby adhering to principles such as accountability, transparency and compliance to trends of good corporate governance. Oversight in government projects often results in over and irregular expenditure as well as projects running over the planned timeframes, largely because of the lack of integrated governance systems to track, monitor and ensure project methodologies are followed. The purpose of this research was to propose an integrated governance structure to be utilised in a municipal environment to assist departments executing infrastructure projects.
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- Authors: Mthembu, Ndumiso , Marnewick, Annlizé
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Impact , Good corporate governance principles , Project governance
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/271119 , uj:28829 , Citation: Mthembu, N. & Marnewick, A. 2018. The impact of the application of governance principles in municipal government projects: a metropolitan municipality case study.
- Description: Abstract: The use of governance principles in projects implemented within the government sector provides tangible benefits in terms of projects achieving the intended objectives. Governance of projects is often related to the ability of organisations to demonstrate the ability to administer projects in line with organisational policy thereby adhering to principles such as accountability, transparency and compliance to trends of good corporate governance. Oversight in government projects often results in over and irregular expenditure as well as projects running over the planned timeframes, largely because of the lack of integrated governance systems to track, monitor and ensure project methodologies are followed. The purpose of this research was to propose an integrated governance structure to be utilised in a municipal environment to assist departments executing infrastructure projects.
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