Abstract: This work provides a fresh perspective on the custom-build versus rent/buy decision that organizations have faced when dealing with large scale information systems. We first describe the historical trends in this area. Next, we present an analysis of what caused the current trend of renting/purchasing off-the-shelf systems and why recent changes may portend an increase in custom building. We make the case for why systems analysis and design will play an increasing role in the building of large custom ISs, and highlight the need for increased teaching emphasis in this area. As a first step in this direction, we present a model called ERA (Entity Relationship Activity) with an accompanying (Computer Aided Software Engineering) CASE tool and present one teaching case that has been used to teach over 250 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Keywords: Systems analysis, Systems design, Requirements modeling, CASE tool

Download this article: JISE - Volume 17 Number 3, Page 327.pdf

Recommended Citation: Bajaj, A. (2006). Large Scale Requirements Modeling: An Industry Analysis, a Model and a Teaching Case. Journal of Information Systems Education, 17(3), 327-340.