Using a quality model framework to strengthen the requirements bridge

This experience report chronicles the development and use of a Requirements Quality Model (RQM), an evaluation tool that can be used to generate process improvements and an organizational rating against ten categories of requirements development and management activities. The tool was developed considering experience gained from successes from the Cellular Switching Product's software quality program and employing key quality factors from software industry standards such as the SEI Capability Maturity Model and IEEE Standard 830. The RQM enables an evaluation of the four key dimensions of successful requirements engineering practice: people, process, software roofs, and the product. The experiences reported and lessons learned will help others who may wish to develop a similar software quality evaluation tool.