Minutes of the Inaugural Meeting of the

RENOIR Research Coordination Committee,

Friday, 6th December, 1996

at City University, London

Present:

Kevin Ryan, University of Limerick (Chair),
Anthony Finkelstein, City University (Director),
Paolo Ciancarini, University of Bologna,
Harald Gall (representing Mehdi Jazayeri), Vienna Univ. of Technology,
Axel van Lamsweerde, Universite Catholique de Louvain,
Andreas Opdahl, University of Bergen,
Jeanine Souquieres, Centre de Recherche en Informatique de Nancy,
Lincoln Wallen, University of Oxford,
Stephen Morris, City University (Coordinator)

These minutes record the principal issues discussed and actions agreed, gathering points made under the various agenda headings.

1. 'Road map' for Requirements Engineering in Europe

It was agreed that completion of a 'road map' for requirements engineering in Europe should be an important long term objective of the network, defining the field, establishing it as a priority area and offering a shared vision. It would have to be both analytically based (indicating problems demanding research) and task oriented (based on the needs and perceptions of industry). It would be published on the web, as a booklet and possibly as a CD.

To initiate production of the 'road map', each coordinator should consult all those interested in his or her area, taking as a starting point the goals, tasks and "hot" questions given in the Network Programme and provide feedback to AF about the area itself and about its interralationships with other areas.

2. Input to Framework 5

Initial feedback from area coordinators about the 'road map' will provide AF with the basis for a submission to the CEC about Framework 5.

AF will check deadlines and tell coordinators when they need to reply.

3. Open days

Effective exchange of techniques and tools between members would be very valuable, but requires well prepared sessions with limited numbers of participants. The committee thinks that this exchange should be led by demand. It will promote the idea of the 'open day', a co-ordinated visit to a RENOIR node, by a number of participants from other RENOIR nodes

SM will contact all nodes asking where their members would like to attend 'open days'. He will coordinate responses and contact possible hosts. In this context it is important to communicate widely. For this reason it would be useful to have a wider mailing list including everyone within each member institutions who might be interested in RENOIR activities (Action by Coordination Team at City).

It is important to establish contact with those holding 'radical' views, even if we do not plan immediate 'radicals workshops'.

4. Local coordination

The network needs to address coordination at the local and regional levels. AF will report to the Executive Board on the general issues and about a possible 'roadshow' to visit national events.

5. 'Examples base'

Establishment of an 'examples base' may prove more worthwhile than another committee acting as an 'exemplars circle'. Setting up some form of store would, however, beg an number of fundamental questions about the nature and use of examples. AF and KR will consider the possibilities, including the establishment of a specific post, circulate adraft to this committee and then make a proposal to the Executive Board.

6. Telecoms workshop

Ascertaining the specific needs of industry should be a priority objective, perhaps best achieved by concentrating on the demands within a particular sector or group, for example telecoms or instrument making.

After discussing various options for domain-centred events, the committee accepted the offer from LW to lead the search for one or two telecoms companies. Their representatives would have to be willing to open a workshop with presentations about all aspects of requirements within their organisations. Appropriate academics might then talk about particular issues raised. Such a workshop will demand careful preparation taking some time; an event at the end of '97 is the initial objective.

Everyone should try to identify suitable firms and contact LW with suggestions.

It was agreed that there would be no action for the present on a practice workshop.

7. Research oriented web site

PC reported the offer from Milano to establish a research oriented branch of the RENOIR web site. The proposed 'road map' could, once an early version is ready, provide a front-end or structure for defining the field via research projects, conferences, journals etc. The existing calendar at the web site could be expanded to include related events such as CAISE and FME (list of events mentioned attached).

RENOIR would be keen to support multinational doctoral commitees of RE researchers.

8. Next meeting - Thursday 10th April at City

Last up-date: 30 July 1998