A unified requirements model; integrating features, use cases, requirements, requirements analysis and hazard analysis

In global development projects, different modeling techniques are used to create and manage the requirements, analyze the problem domain, identify potential hazards and develop the system design. For each modeling technique, separate tools (e.g. UML case tool, requirements database, Word) are used. Each tool comes with its own meta-model, which hinders the interchange of models across tools and makes automated traceability and quality analysis across all models unmanageable. We propose the integration of different modeling techniques by adding new relationships. The integrated requirements model supports complete traceability across feature modeling, use case modeling, requirements and hazard analysis, detailed requirements and system design. We propose design rules and metrics for a formal and automated quality assurance, project monitoring and control. The model is implemented in a central repository, accessible from distributed sites. Synchronous online collaboration, asynchronous offline access and model-based configuration management is supported for the entire unified requirements model.