Identification of non-functional requirements in textual specifications: A semi-supervised learning approach

ContextEarly detection of non-functional requirements (NFRs) is crucial in the evaluation of architectural alternatives starting from initial design decisions. The application of supervised text categorization strategies for requirements expressed in natural language has been proposed in several works as a method to help analysts in the detection and classification of NFRs concerning different aspects of software. However, a significant number of pre-categorized requirements are needed to train supervised text classifiers, which implies that analysts have to manually assign categories to numerous requirements before being able of accurately classifying the remaining ones.ObjectiveWe propose a semi-supervised text categorization approach for the automatic identification and classification of non-functional requirements. Therefore, a small number of requirements, possibly identified by the requirement team during the elicitation process, enable learning an initial classifier for NFRs, which could successively identify the type of further requirements in an iterative process. The goal of the approach is the integration into a recommender system to assist requirement analysts and software designers in the architectural design process.MethodDetection and classification of NFRs is performed using semi-supervised learning techniques. Classification is based on a reduced number of categorized requirements by taking advantage of the knowledge provided by uncategorized ones, as well as certain properties of text. The learning method also exploits feedback from users to enhance classification performance.ResultsThe semi-supervised approach resulted in accuracy rates above 70%, considerably higher than the results obtained with supervised methods using standard collections of documents.ConclusionEmpirical evidence showed that semi-supervision requires less human effort in labeling requirements than fully supervised methods, and can be further improved based on feedback provided by analysts. Our approach outperforms previous supervised classification proposals and can be further enhanced by exploiting feedback provided by analysts.     

一种面向特征的软件产品线非功能需求建模方法

分析传统非功能需求定义的不足,基于需求分析阶段的系统抽象—"需求模型"重新定义非功能需求,规范并简化功能需求与非功能需求之间的关系。扩展面向特征的软件产品线建模方法,在特征模型中显式地建模功能需求、非功能需求、非功能需求类型以及它们之间的相互关系,沿用传统特征模型中固有的变化性建模机制建模并管理非功能需求的变化性,显式地复用与非功能需求相关的建模知识和资产,为进一步研究定量评估产品线变体质量的新技术奠定基础。设计了一个基于多视图的特征建模方法,指导开发者在迭代的过程中建模非功能需求和功能需求,支持关注点分离和模型的复杂性管控。实现了工具原型并进行了实例验证。     

Detecting,classifying, and tracing non-functional software requirements

In this paper, we describe a novel unsupervised approach for detecting, classifying, and tracing non-functional software requirements (NFRs). The proposed approach exploits the textual semantics of software functional requirements (FRs) to infer potential quality constraints enforced in the system. In particular, we conduct a systematic analysis of a series of word similarity methods and clustering techniques to generate semantically cohesive clusters of FR words. These clusters are classified into various categories of NFRs based on their semantic similarity to basic NFR labels. Discovered NFRs are then traced to their implementation in the solution space based on their textual semantic similarity to source code artifacts. Three software systems are used to conduct the experimental analysis in this paper. The results show that methods that exploit massive sources of textual human knowledge are more accurate in capturing and modeling the notion of similarity between FR words in a software system. Results also show that hierarchical clustering algorithms are more capable of generating thematic word clusters than partitioning clustering techniques. In terms of performance, our analysis indicates that the proposed approach can discover, classify, and trace NFRs with accuracy levels that can be adequate for practical applications.     

Control case approach to record and model non-functional requirements

While the functional requirements of a system can be effectively modeled through the use case driven approach, there is no standard or de facto method for modeling non-functional requirements (NFR) of the system architecture. Often such requirements are dealt with in a reactive manner, rather than proactively. Yet increasingly a contributing factor in project difficulty and failure are the NFR imposed on the solution architecture. This paper outlines a control case approach to record and model NFR. This technique enables the control case to represent the NFR from different perspectives, most typically the various operating conditions. We also propose an extension to the “4 + 1” view model for depicting software architecture by adding the control case view. In addition, a detailed control case modeling example is illustrated to demonstrate how these techniques may be applied during development. Taken together, we suggest that the combination of both the use case and control case views thus reflects the complete requirements across the collective system life cycle views: design, process, implementation and deployment.     

基于非功能需求的软件体系结构演化

对非功能需求NFRs进行了描述,根据功能需求、NFRs与SA的关系,定义了基于NFRs的SA演化,使用构件组合运算和结构工作链对软件体系结构的非功能特性进行了评估,根据评估结果,给出了基于NFRs的SA演化模型。     

Modelling non-functional requirements of business processes

This paper presents an approach to the identification and inclusion of ‘non-functional’ aspects of a business process in modelling for business improvement. The notion of non-functional requirements (NFRs) is borrowed from software engineering, and a method developed in that field for linking NFRs to conceptual models is adapted and applied to business process modelling. Translated into this domain, NFRs are equated with the general or overall quality attributes of a business process, which, though essential aspects of any effective process, are not well captured in a functionally oriented process model. Using an example of a healthcare process (cancer registration in Jordan). We show how an analysis and evaluation of NFRs can be applied to a process model developed with role activity diagramming (RAD) to operationalise desirable quality features more explicitly in the model. This gives a useful extension to RAD and similar modelling methods, as well as providing a basis for business improvement.     

A Framework for Integrating Non-Functional Requirements into Conceptual Models

The development of complex information systems calls for conceptual models that describe aspects beyond entities and activities. In particular, recent research has pointed out that conceptual models need to model goals, in order to capture the intentions which underlie complex situations within an organisational context. This paper focuses on one class of goals, namely non-functional requirements (NFR), which need to be captured and analysed from the very early phases of the software development process. The paper presents a framework for integrating NFRs into the ER and OO models. This framework has been validated by two case studies, one of which is very large. The results of the case studies suggest that goal modelling during early phases can lead to a more productive and complete modelling activity.       

基于设计结构矩阵的可信软件非功能需求评估模型

可信软件非功能需求的量化评估是可信软件研究的一个重要领域。依据构件中非功能需求之间的相互关系,结合设计结构矩阵及矩阵变换、运算的方法,提出了非功能需求贡献值的概念,建立了构件和非功能需求关系的相关阵列及具有统一标准和评判尺度的可信软件非功能需求度量模型,并结合该模型构建了一种用来判断软件非功能需求是否符合软件开发者和用户预期的评估决策方法。最后通过一个实例来说明本模型的合理性和有效性。     

关联词约束的半监督文本分类方法

提出了一种没有训练集情况下实现对未标注类别文本文档进行分类的问题。类关联词是与类主体相关、能反映类主体的单词或短语。利用类关联词提供的先验信息,形成文档分类的先验概率,然后组合利用朴素贝叶斯分类器和EM迭代算法,在半监督学习过程中加入分类约束条件,用类关联词来监督构造一个分类器,实现了对完全未标注类别文档的分类。实验结果证明,此方法能够以较高的准确率实现没有训练集情况下的文本分类问题,在类关联词约束下的分类准确率要高于没有约束情况下的分类准确率。     

Management of performance requirements for information systems

The management of performance requirements is a major challenge for information systems as well as other software systems. This is because performance requirements can have a global impact on the target system. In addition, there are interactions and trade-offs among performance requirements, other nonfunctional requirements (NFRs), and the numerous alternatives for the target system. To provide a systematic approach to managing performance requirements, this paper presents a performance requirements framework (PeRF). It integrates and catalogues a variety of kinds of knowledge of information systems and performance. These include: performance concepts, software performance engineering principles for building performance into systems, and information systems development knowledge. In addition, layered structures organize performance knowledge and the development process. All this knowledge is represented using an existing goal-oriented approach, the “NFR framework”, which offers a developer-directed graphical treatment for stating NFRs, analyzing and interrelating them, and determining the impact of decisions upon NFRs. This approach allows customized solutions to be built, taking into account the characteristics of the particular domain. The use of PeRF in managing performance requirements is illustrated in a study of performance requirements and other NFRs for a university student record system. This paper concludes with a summary of other studies of information systems, tool support and directions for future work     

非功能需求的结构化定义以及概念性追踪管理框架

针对需求工程中非功能需求概念非常模糊甚至相互矛盾、非功能需求与其他非功能需求及功能需求之间的关系繁复而难以分析和建模、非功能需求与设计阶段制品之间的追踪关系模糊而不易记录和维护等问题,分析了与非功能需求相关的概念在需求分析阶段和体系结构设计阶段的表现形式,给出了一个结构化的非功能需求定义;规范了不同类型需求之间的各种复杂关系,建立了一个跨越分析和设计阶段的概念性非功能需求追踪管理框架,规范了需求分析和体系结构设计阶段与非功能需求相关的概念和制品之间的关系。提出的结构化定义以及概念性追踪管理框架明确地刻画了非功能需求概念的外延,为简化需求模型以及进一步研制系统化、实用化的非功能需求建模及追踪管理技术奠定了理论基础。     

Quality-driven architecture development using architectural tactics

This paper presents a quality-driven approach to embodying non-functional requirements (NFRs) into software architecture using architectural tactics. Architectural tactics are reusable architectural building blocks, providing general architectural solutions for common issues pertaining to quality attributes. In this approach, architectural tactics are represented as feature models, and their semantics is defined using the Role-Based Metamodeling Language (RBML) which is a UML-based pattern specification notation. Given a set of NFRs, architectural tactics are selected and composed, and the composed tactic is used to instantiate an initial architecture for the application. The proposed approach addresses both the structural and behavioral aspects of architecture. We describe the approach using tactics for performance, availability and security to develop an architecture for a stock trading system. We demonstrate tool support for instantiating a composed tactic to generate an initial architecture of the stock trading system.     

面向软件产品线中特征选择的多目标优化算法

软件产品线中产品定制的核心是选择合适的特征集.由于多个非功能需求间往往相互制约甚至冲突,特征选择的本质是多目标优化过程.优化过程的搜索空间被特征间错综复杂的依赖和约束关系以及明确的功能需求大大限制.另外,有些非功能需求有明确的数值约束,而有些则仅要求尽可能得到优化.多样的非功能需求约束类型也给优化选择过程带来极大挑战.本文提出一种含修正算子的多目标优化算法MOOFs.文中首先设计特征间依赖和约束关系描述语言DCF-DL来统一规范特征选择过程中必须遵守的规则.所有的非功能需求都转化为优化目标,相关的数值约束则作为优化过程中特征选择方案的过滤器.另外,设计了修正算子用于保证选择出的特征配置方案必满足产品线的特征规则约束.通过与四个常用的多目标优化算法在四个不同规模的特征模型上的运行结果做对比,证明本文的方法能够更快地产生满足约束的优化解,且优化解具备更好的收敛性与多样性.     

Feature-Oriented Nonfunctional Requirement Analysis for Software Product Line

Domain analysis in software product line (SPL) development provides a basis for core assets design and implementation by a systematic and comprehensive commonality/variability analysis. In feature-oriented SPL methods, products of the domain analysis are domain feature models and corresponding feature decision models to facilitate application-oriented customization. As in requirement analysis for a single system, the domain analysis in the SPL development should consider both functional and nonfunctional domain requirements. However, the nonfunctional requirements (NFRs) are often neglected in the existing domain analysis methods. In this paper, we propose a context-based method of the NFR analysis for the SPL development. In the method, NFRs are materialized by connecting nonfunctional goals with real-world context, thus NFR elicitation and variability analysis can be performed by context analysis for the whole domain with the assistance of NFR templates and NFR graphs. After the variability analysis, our method integrates both functional and nonfunctional perspectives by incorporating the nonfunctional goals and operationalizations into an initial functional feature model. NFR-related constraints are also elicited and integrated. Finally, a decision model with both functional and nonfunctional perspectives is constructed to facilitate application-oriented feature model customization. A computer-aided grading system (CAGS) product line is employed to demonstrate the method throughout the paper. This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos. 60703092 and 90818009, the National High Technology Research and Development 863 Program of China under Grant No. 2007AA01Z125.     

Model-driven development for early aspects

Currently, non-functional requirements (NFRs) consume a considerable part of the software development effort. The good news is that most of them appear time and again during system development and, luckily, their solutions can be often described as a pattern independently from any specific application or domain. A proof of this are the current application servers and middleware platforms that can provide configurable prebuilt services for managing some of these crosscutting concerns, or aspects. Nevertheless, these reusable pattern solutions presents two shortcomings, among others: (1) they need to be applied manually; and (2) most of these pattern solutions do not use aspect-orientation, and, since NFRs are often crosscutting concerns, this leads to scattered and tangled representations of these concerns. Our approach aims to overcome these limitations by: (1) using model-driven techniques to reduce the development effort associated to systematically apply reusable solutions for satisfying NFRs; and (2) using aspect-orientation to improve the modularization of these crosscutting concerns. Regarding the first contribution, since the portion of a system related to NFRs is usually significant, the reduction on the development effort associated to these NFRs is also significant. Regarding the second contribution, the use aspect-orientation improves maintenance and evolution of the non-functional requirements that are managed as aspects. An additional contribution of our work is to define a mapping and transition from aspectual requirements to aspect-oriented software architectures, which, in turn, contributes to improve the general issue of systematically relating requirements to architecture. Our approach is illustrated by applying it to a Toll Gate case study.     

中文非功能需求描述的识别与分类方法研究

非功能需求描述系统质量相关的属性,是软件设计决策的重要依据和评估标准.与功能需求的描述相比,非功能需求描述通常比较分散,且往往是隐含的.当采集到的需求原始描述内容较多时,逐一进行人工判别和整理需要耗费大量的时间和精力.针对中文自然语言描述的需求文本,提出了自动化的非功能需求识别和分类方法.其中,识别过程旨在从文本中提取出可能包含非功能需求的语句,尽可能地缩小人工检查的范围.分类过程则进一步将包含非功能需求的语句划分到性能、可靠性、可用性、安全性、可维护性这五大类非功能需求类型之中.分类训练和实验测试基于课题组工作项目整理的实验数据集进行,最终,基于一个工业界的实际应用案例数据,验证了方法的有效性.     

Dealing with change: An approach using non-functional requirements

Non-functional requirements (or quality requirements, NFRs) such as confidentiality, performance and timeliness are often crucial to a software system. Concerns for such NFRs are often the impetus for change. To systematically support system evolution, this paper adapts the NFR Framework, which treats NFRs as goals to be achieved during development. Throughout the process, consideration of design alternatives, analysis of trade-offs and rationalisation of design decisions are all carried out in relation to the stated goals, and captured in historical records. We show how such historical records of treating NFRs as goals also system-atically support system evolution. This approach is illustrated by a study of changes in loan policies at Barclays Bank. The study considered changes in NFRs, and associated changes in priorities, workload and functionality. The study's historical records helped quickly determine the impact of changes. We also present guidelines for consistently managing historical records, and address tool support for the change process.This is an extended and revised edition of a paper [34] appearing in theProceedings of the Second International Symposium on Requirements Engineering. York, England, March 1995. A draft of that paper was prepared when all three authors were at the Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto.     

基于多重特征选择和多分类器融合的文本层次分类研究*

针对大量电子文档需要准确地进行多层次自动分类管理的现实需求,提出基于多重特征选择和多分类器融合技术的层次分类方法。通过引入可信度函数对单分类器效果进行评价,适时采用辅助分类器对较难分类的文档进行分类投票判决。实验结果表明,相对于单分类器,该方法无论在平面分类和层次分类语料上都获得了更好的分类精度,且具有较好的时间复杂性,有很好的实际应用前景。