MODELING DATA-DRIVEN SYSTEMS: THE I4 REQUIREMENTS ENGINEERING METHODOLOGY (INCEPTION, INTERACTION, ISOLATION, AND INTEGRATION)

Identifying scopes and requirements is a very challenging process that face systems analysts and architects. Engineering information systems is a very complex process that requires a clear understanding of the scopes and requirements of the system. Distributed information systems are of high complexity, Successful systems design call for design modularity. A top-down approach is one of the successful approaches that can be utilized in decomposing a problem statement. In this research we introduce a design methodology that utilizes existing software engineering tools and methods to achieve goals of design required within distributed systems solutions. We address the challenges by decomposing design problems using a four phase approach: Requirements Engineering, Data Flow Abstraction, Module Boundary Definition, and System Lifecycle Design. The methodology, implicitly, promotes and achieves reusability, interoperability, security, and transparency. Facilitation and formalization of the process of abstracting systems design modules is achieved by abstracting requirements using software engineering tools and specifications. Phases of design are utilizing specific tools that facilitates the goals of design.