Title: A social network analysis-based approach for modelling and analysing dependencies among requirements in new software development projects

Authors: Hamdi Bashir; Messa Alhammadi; Udechukwu Ojiako; Mohammed Shamsuzzaman; Salah Haridy

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, College of Engineering, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE; Sustainable Engineering Asset Management Research Group, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE ' Emirates Group, Dubai, UAE ' Design, Manufacturing and Engineering Management, University of Strathclyde, UK; Centre for Systems Studies, University of Hull, UK; Johannesburg Business School, University of Johannesburg, South Africa ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, College of Engineering, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE; Sustainable Engineering Asset Management Research Group, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, College of Engineering, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE; Sustainable Engineering Asset Management Research Group, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE; Benha Faculty of Engineering, Benha University, Benha, Egypt

Abstract: Previous studies proposed several methods to model and analyse the dependencies within software requirements (SRs) in development projects. For practical purposes, teams developing software require simple tools that assist in mapping and assessing the relationships between SRs during the initial stages of development. Considering the limitations of previous works, this study suggests adopting a social network analysis-based approach. This approach enables development teams to analyse and visualise the relationships between SRs, offering a holistic view of SR interactions and aiding in identifying the most critical SRs along with their paths of change propagation. As a result, this approach facilitates effective and efficient change management, reducing cost risks and lead-time overruns in projects. The practicality of this approach is demonstrated through its application in modelling and analysing 28 SRs in a real-world software development project.

Keywords: requirements; change; dependency; software project management; modelling; social network analysis; SNA.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPOM.2025.150116

International Journal of Project Organisation and Management, 2025 Vol.17 No.4, pp.400 - 420

Received: 03 Feb 2024
Accepted: 08 Nov 2024
Published online: 01 Dec 2025 *

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