Improving after-the-fact tracing and mapping: Supporting software quality predictions

Abstract

The requirements traceability matrix can successfully predict quality before code is written. However, its tedious development process, requiring analysts to manually discover and vet links between artifact levels, has stymied widespread adoption. The authors' tracing toolkit, called Retro (Requirements Tracing on Target), automates the information retrieval process, making RTM's development easier. Backed by empirical results, the authors describe Retro's advantages over other information retrieval approaches. © 2005 IEEE.