Customizing an Approach to Analyze an Underspecified Socio-Technical System

Abstract

In this paper, we are concerned with the problem of how to analyze an underspecified system. In such systems, some system goals, requirements, functions, or tasks remain underspecified. The underspecification of a system mainly occurs in the early phases of projects. The underspecified nature of such systems poses significant analysis challenges. For example, a number of critical tasks that entail interactions between individuals and technical artifacts might not be identified. An approach for underspecified systems analysis remains underreported in the literature. In this paper, such an approach is described. Using a case study, we illustrate aspects of the approach.