Requirements engineering (RE) - that is the specification of requirements - is vital for any software project. Frequently, deficient requirements highlight the importance of RE in developing and procuring software.

Hubert F. Hofmann reviews five RE processes that prescribe the timing and frequency of RE activities throughout the software process. He classifies prevalent RE methods and compiles best practices to help stakeholders to identify when to use which RE methods. A comprehensive field study presents new aspects of software development projects in high technology companies and explores the contribution of team knowledge, allocated resources, and exhibited RE processes to a project's success or failure.