Discovering Real Business Requirements for Software Project Success (Computing Library S.) [Hardcover]

Robin F. Goldsmith (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1580537707 | ISBN-13: 978-1580537704 | Publication Date: April 2004

Book InformationFinding customer requirements is an essential activity for software developers. While a number of books on the market deal with software requirements, this is the first resource to offer a methodology for discovering and testing the real business requirements that software products must meet in order to provide value. The book provides practical techniques that help ensure successful software development and greater satisfaction among the organizations that put these software systems to use. The powerful techniques and methods presented in this hands-on reference are applied to a real business case from a company recognized for world-class excellence. From an examination of key methods for gathering and understanding information about requirements, to seven guidelines for documenting and communicating requirements, this book is a comprehensive, single source for uncovering the real business requirements that lead to software project success.Content HighlightsValue of Testing Up-Front. The Regular Way. Are They Requirements? Evaluating Requirements' Form. Discovering Real Requirements. Problem Pyramid. Applying the Techniques. Data Gathering. Formats for Analyzing Requirements. Key to Completeness. Formats for Documenting Requirements. Finding Overlooked Requirements.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Robin F. Goldsmith is President of Go Pro Management, Inc., a consultancy in Needham, MA. He has extensive information systems experience, having worked in this capacity for the City of Cleveland, large financial institutions, and a "Big Four" management consulting firm. Mr. Goldsmith presents public and in-house seminars and is a frequent speaker at leading leading software development and quality/testing conferences. He earned his LL.M. in taxation law at Boston University, J.D. at Suffolk University, M.S. in psychology from Pennsylvania State University, and A.B. in psychology from Kenyon College.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 241 pages
• Publisher: Artech House Publishers (April 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580537707
• ISBN-13: 978-1580537704
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #573,433 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Testing Requirements is Part of Discovering Requirements, September 2, 2004

By 

Johanna Rothman (Arlington, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Discovering Real Business Requirements for Software Project Success (Computing Library S.) (Hardcover)

If you ever wanted to know if your requirements were accurate and complete, this book will help. As Robin says on p. 13, "...we're going to intermix discovery methods with techniques for testing the adequacy of requirements." Using his problem pyramid - which includes a way to measure the problem and the solution - Robin discusses several techniques to elicit and define requirements.

Robin defines 64 techniques to test requirements - throughout a project. For example, test method #17, "identify assumptions" is common sense that too few people remember. Test method #53 is "Defining acceptance criteria," a technique useful for any project if you want to know you've built what the customer wanted.

Between the problem pyramid emphasis on measurement and the various tests, the book can help you meet its promise of preventing too much requirements change throughout a project.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book will improve the quality of your products !, May 17, 2004

By 

Joe Fisher - See all my reviews

This review is from: Discovering Real Business Requirements for Software Project Success (Computing Library S.) (Hardcover)

As a Software Developer and Consultant, I found this book to be a clear and practical guide that will be a valuable asset to all system development professionals.

I strongly recommend it to all systems professionals, and believe it is a MUST HAVE for systems analysts !

The book presents a step-by-step methodology that contrasts how things are "normally" done with how they should be done to achieve optimum results and satisfied customers.

In addition to analyzing why and how traditional approaches fail, the text provides a comprehensive checklist that can be followed to avoid common mistakes and improve the quality of the most significant aspect of develop: gathering and documenting requirements !

Presented in a easy-to-read format sprinkled with wry humor, you are likely to find it a more enjoyable read than most technical texts.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Differentiates Identification of Business Problems from the Solution Alternatives, December 19, 2007

By 

Paul L. (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Discovering Real Business Requirements for Software Project Success (Computing Library S.) (Hardcover)

The 64 ways to test requirements are good and helpful, and you'll need to determine how many of these techniques (and with what rigor) could/should be applied to your project in your organizational context. The greatest benefit for me from reading this book was understanding the distinction Goldsmith makes between business problems and the solution design alternatives that might address them. I've witnessed problems on projects where this distinction was not understood, and I'm convinced that identifying the business problem(s) and business requirements first is critical before undertaking software requirements and solution alternatives.