Abstract for: Simulating Software Requirements Selection using Kanban Control Mechanisms

In Market-Driven Requirements Engineering (MDRE) process, market-driven considerations coexist with technical and organizational constraints, which collectively influence the quality of requirements. This paper proposes a simulation-based framework for analyzing the software requirements selection process using a Kanban-controlled workflow. The proposed event-driven, object-oriented simulation incorporates Kanban control mechanisms that limit work-in-process through authorization cards at each stage. In MDRE a crucial decision is whether or not to select a requirement for implementation in the next software release, taking also into consideration the minimization of release date to market. Crucial issues in the requirement selection process under uncertainty is to prevent congestion, regulate workflow dynamics and limit Work in Process. In this paper, the above issues are addressed by simulating a software requirements selection process using kanban mechanisms. The proposed model focuses specifically on understanding the effects of workflow constraints, requirement filtering, and WIP limitations on release-planning performance indicators such as CT, WIP levels, response time, and time-to-market. The numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the Kanban mechanism in controlling the trade-off between the release date and the features of a software product in a MDRE process. All performance measures show significant improvements over previous papers. This framework is a continuous release planning model for software products that dynamically processes streaming market requirements while managing strict resource constraints. Acknowledgements: The research is conducted in the operating framework of the University of Thessaly Innovation, Technology Transfer Unit and Entrepreneurship Center "One Planet Thessaly", under the “University of Thessaly Grants for Scientific Publication Support” action and is funded by the Special Account of Research Grants of the University of Thessaly.