Requirements Management: Process vs. Content

In my most recent entry, I suggested that the BABOK 2.0 introduces the separation of process (planning, elicitation, documentation, analysis, verification/validation) from content (software development, etc.). And if you read that entry, you know I am of the opinion that this is a smart move on the part of the IIBA and the BABOK committee and authoring community.
Why? To put it simply: everyone does requirements management! And the process framework that will be represented by BABOK 2.0 will be valuable in many different disciplines.

For example, consider the practice of Instructional Design (ID): it too defines an approach that includes:
• Gathering (needs assessment, task analysis, workplace assessment)
• Analysis • Documentation (Student Performance Objectives)
• Solution identification (delivery mode, material selection, etc.)
• Management of requirements through the content development process
• Verification/validation of the content (Kirkpatrick levels 2-4, Kolb learning cycle, psychometric analysis of related exams).

This is not to say that the BABOK would become the reference body for ID itself – that subject area is sufficiently covered. Viewing the ID process through the BABOK lens, however, further strengthens the fundamental notion of the separation of the requirement from the solution.
 
You may have noticed Enterprise Analysis has not been mentioned yet – I hope you stay tuned to read my thoughts on how that fits in…..

Meanwhile, I encourage you to share with me, and your fellow readers, your thoughts on this thread as it develops more fully over the next few entries.