Requirements elicitation for the design of venue operations for the Athens 2004 Olympic games

The design and implementation of systems for the support of venue operations for the Olympic games is a complex and multifaceted undertaking. Venue operations are designed to support the efficient functioning of every venue far every day for the duration of the games. We present the challenges faced and experiences gained during two years of requirements engineering projects for this high-profile and multifarious application. We describe the unique nature of the enterprise environment, briefly discuss and critique the approaches traditionally used, present the approach adopted in the venue operations planning of the Athens2004 Olympic games and discuss the issues that influenced the process of requirements elicitation. The purpose is to report on experiences from a particular type of requirements problems (very early, strategic requirements) and to draw lessons that may inform future practice and research.