Managing Information Systems Requirements Volatility in Development Projects: Mapping Research and Surveying Practices

This paper focuses on information systems (hereafter IS) requirements volatility during development projects. First, it provides a comprehensive research-based map that integrates measurements, antecedents, consequences and solutions for IS requirements volatility. Second, it offers insights into industry practices related to the key IS requirements volatility components identified in that map. Findings from a survey of 44 professionals leading IS development projects show that IS requirements volatility continues to be an issue most likely caused by requirements misspecification problems. Findings also present a ranking of the relative importance of possible solutions used to minimize that volatility. Implications for research and practice are discussed.