15P. Applying Organisational Learning to User Requirements Elicitation

The aim of the paper is to determine the best method to capture the functional and non-functional requirements of software and to ensure that the acquired software is deemed suitable by the users. The paper compares the organisational learning approach to the traditional method of software requirements elicitation and adoption. We analysed the two approaches in a case study of a Bahamian horizontal construction company. The focus of the study is on how the stakeholders capture tacit knowledge during the processes of both approaches. The findings show that the organisational learning model was more effective in eliciting software requirements, especially in helping incorporate the tacit knowledge of requirements in a broad range of company stakeholders. The study also demonstrates the significance of tacit knowledge among company stakeholders, in particular during the construction cost estimation phase. In order to produce a more accurate estimate and ensure the user acceptance for the software throughout the company, the cost estimation phase must be incorporated with the requirements and the users must be involved throughout the software requirements elicitation and adoption process.