Integrative early requirements analysis for agent-based systems

Early requirements analysis (ERA) is quite significant for building agent-based systems. Goal-oriented requirements analysis is promising for the agent-oriented early requirements analysis. In general, either visual modeling or formal specifications is used for the ERA. This way cannot capture requirements precisely and completely. We present an integrative modeling framework for agent-oriented early requirements analysis; this framework implements goal-oriented requirement analysis. The integrative modeling combines visual modeling and formal modeling together. Extended i* framework is used for building visual models; formal specifications complement the visual modeling to define and refine requirements. Both visual and formal models are outlined through a practical agent-based system F-TRADE. The integrative modelling seems to model early requirements comprehensively and concretely, and benefit refinement and conflict management in building agent systems.