volume_mute

Use Case - Predicting Future Change Volume

publish date: 2026/06/24 21:38:18.461605 UTC

volume_mute

A system has 40 external interfaces to other organizational systems, and many of its requirements are derived directly from frequently revised internal management policies rather than from stable industry regulations. Based on the factors used to predict the number of change requests, what should be expected of this system?

It will only ever need fault repair, never functionality additions or environmental adaptation

It is guaranteed to never require another change for the rest of its operational life

It is likely to receive a relatively high number of change requests, due to both its many interfaces and its policy-derived, volatile requirements

Its change request volume is entirely unrelated to the number of interfaces or the source of its requirements

Correct Answer

It is likely to receive a relatively high number of change requests, due to both its many interfaces and its policy-derived, volatile requirements

Explanation

Both factors mentioned, numerous complex interfaces and requirements derived from volatile organizational policy, are recognized predictors of a high future change request volume. Systems with many interfaces are more exposed to changes in connected systems, and policy-based requirements change more often than requirements grounded in stable domain facts.

Reference

Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 10th edition

Quizzes you can take where this question appears

Software Evolution - Use Case Scenarios