Designing a Simulator for the Training of Software Engineers in Global Requirements Elicitation

The requirements elicitation process is particularly difficult in Global Software Development (GSD) environments owing principally to cultural differences and communication problems derived from the geographical distance that separates stakeholders. For this reason it is necessary to train professionals in the skills needed to confront a requirements elicitation process in a GSD environment. In this paper we present the generic and specific competences derived from our review of literature that a software engineer must have if s/he is to carry out requirements elicitation. We have used these skills to design a tool to support the teaching of requirements elicitation in GSD. This tool is a simulator which, by using virtual agents, will enable students and professionals to acquire a subset of the skills necessary for requirements elicitation in GSD.