RPG

Season 1 Episode 1

  Typically, in this slot, you'd be getting a final.  However, I don't like finals that much, because they take up time just repeating stuff you already know, when instead we could better be using our time to continue with learning experiences.  So here goes…

So far in class, we've been dealing with requirements handed to you, and making improvements from there, or reverse-engineering projects already accomplished back to requirements.  Now, as a further learning experience, we're going to back up a bit, and do some role-playing.

You will play the project manager, requirements writer, and business analyst.  Someone will play the clueless customer.

Here's how it will work:

• The customer will make a broad requirements statement.

• You will ask questions as needed, using the Bidders' Conference forum, and she will respond.  Repeat this step as often as required.  When I respond, responses will be marked [SL].  When she responds, her responses will be marked [CM].

• When you have enough information to proceed, write the requirements document and submit it.  The requirements document shall assume a Waterfall development model, and should use a format similar to one already used in class.

• Doing what the customer specifically asked you to do with get you 70%.  Doing everything the customer answers will give you 90%.  Putting in what the customer needs but didn't think of will get you to 100%.  As usual, I'll ding you for every mistake you make, even if it's just a comma.  But, also as usual, I'll give you a chance to correct.

• After you submit your first draft of the specification, I'll make my comments as the professor.  You can also expect that the customer will also pull a standard stupid customer move, which will cause you to modify the requirements document.  Be sure to leave yourself time for that one.

• I'll post my own follow-up interview 9 days after this posts.  Turn in your assignment after that second post, and before the close of class.

• Half of your grade locks in on the first submission, so be careful!

Now, here's the customer request, both as a regular interview in A/V form, and as a transcript:

[Sheldon Linker] Okay, this is the initial customer interview for the SWEN645 RPG project, also known as project #4.  We have with us the proprietor of the SwenCo comic book shop, Captain Maryland.  Why don't you tell our business analysts, or at least aspiring business analysts, what you need.

[Captain Maryland] In my comic book store I am looking for a location tracker, a contact me page, a means of selling me second-hand comics or non comic items.  I need a page that shows what non-comic-book merchandise I have, such as figurines.  I need a manga section that is separate from my comic book merchandise.  I need a trading system for people to bring me their second-hand comics; employment opportunities, a comic book rarity tracker, what rare merchandise we have in stock now, and what comics we get on a regular basis.

[SL] Anything else you need to add?

[CM] No.

[SL] May I include a picture?

[CM] Most people have already seen me in the news, so might as well.

[SL] Ok, that's it people.  Go for it!