Gaps in Knowledge is a two part series of Requirements-related Anti-Patterns introduced in the What Are Requirements Anti-Patterns? tip.

The Requirements Set Framework™ (RSF) is the expansion of the Information System Architecture Framework designed by John Zachman (www.zifa.com). The RSF categorizes the different types of requirements by community, perspective, focus and association. With this categorization, it is easier to spot any gaps in knowledge that may cause severe defects in the product and empty cells are noticeable. If every cell has at least one requirement, it may not be as easy to identify whether a cell is missing one or more requirements. Even if a Requirements Engineer answers all the questions in the Requirements Set Pattern™, gaps in knowledge may still result. (See Appendix B of A Requirements Pattern: Succeeding in the Internet Economy, AWL, 11/01.)

The "Predator" Group tip issued by SBDi is one example of a gap in knowledge. That tip discussed techniques that could be used to capture all the security-related requirements. Security requirements fall under the focus category as product constraints (a.k.a. non-functional requirements or Quality of Service requirements). All Patterns and Anti-Patterns follow a specific format. This PDF file contains the associated Requirements Pattern Language that will support the solution described in the July tip as well as all other tips discussing Anti-Patterns.

We will discuss Quality of Service and data events in other tips. These issues are also covered in the Requirements Pattern book mentioned above.

Take a look at the Requirements Set Framework for yourself. Also review some past projects, as well. Pick a requirement cell that you have found to be the weakest link as far as identifying requirements. Think about what type of Anti-Pattern could be developed that would assist in identifying requirements for that area.

If you have difficulty trying to define an Anti-Pattern for your project, please feel free to contact SBDi. We can give you ideas of common requirement-related mishaps, which can be avoided with properly developed and implemented anti-patterns. Or if you have an interesting scenario, SBDi may choose your project as an example and develop the anti-pattern in a future tip.

SBDi is available to work with your organization on Requirement related or Project/Program Management Anti-Patterns.

Our services include:

• Education of the management and development team on the value of the development, implementation and use of anti-patterns.
• Teaching how to identify, develop, validate, and implement anti-patterns.
• Developing project specific anti-patterns.
• Developing a divisional or corporate process for the development and implementation of anti-patterns.
• Review of existing anti-patterns for quality.

Pat Ferdinandi