Transition packages: an experiment in expediting the introduction of requirements management

We built a prototype "transition package" to determine if adoption of requirements management practices would be expedited by a suite of RM-specific materials for change agents. The transition package was a password-protected web site that included about 100 documents for use in both performing and introducing requirements management practices. These documents included examples, templates, checklists, and guidance materials. Three frameworks-document type, Software Capability Maturity Model Common Feature, and technology transition process model-helped users make use of the documents. This paper describes the prototype, summarizes the data gathered from an evaluation by reviewers and piloting organizations, and comments on what the data reflect about the need for and use of technology to support requirements management. Finally, the potential of this approach for improving software technology adoption and process improvement within organizations is assessed based on these experiences.