Development of an Agile Requirements Risk Prioritization Method: A Design Science Research Study

Abstract

The practice of information systems development (ISD) has changed during the past two decades from very structured approaches to agile ISD methods. However, in the literature many methods available for managing requirements-related risks follow a structured approach to ISD. Few, if any, available methods offer solutions that prioritize requirements risks for agile ISD projects based on recognizing requirements-related risks and patterns in order to mitigate these. To fill this gap in the literature, we apply the design science research methodology to develop an agile requirements risk prioritization method together with industry experts (n=54) in Finland and New Zealand in a multi-year study. The method was developed by applying contingency theory, and our study makes an artifactual contribution to the literature. The method helps practitioners prioritize the overall requirements-related risks for ISD projects.