How can simplified requirements affect project efficiency – A case study in oil and gas

Abstract

Requirements engineering is a constant challenge for companies executing complex projects. The oil and gas industry has been renowned for stringent stakeholder requirements driving costs. When the oil price plummeted six years ago, the industry had to adapt to make projects economically viable. Over the last four years, a major supplier to the industry has been executing three subsea production system projects as part of a frame agreement for a client. This case study investigates requirements engineering with a focus on cost savings. The paper examines data sources from the contractor and interviews with key project personnel. The main finding is that the contractor and client’s efforts to simplify requirements have improved project efficiency. However, it has not been possible to quantify the exact benefit. Furthermore, the requirements engineering has been dependent on soft factors and collaboration during early study activities. This paper contributes with a description of a requirements engineering method. This is a collaborative method where the supplier adjusts the systems requirements, in close collaboration with the client, based on a detailed design in a very early phase of systems engineering. The research can also give additional insight into requirements engineering for other industries executing complex projects.