Improving requirements engineering has been recognized as critical for the 1990s. Reported differences in theoretical reasoning vs. the practice of how methods are used suggest a need for further research. A way to proceed is to investigate how real-life system design situations can be supported the best way. An important area is to investigate social and organizational aspects of the design of requirements engineering methods. Also increasing the knowledge of what is regarded as important by the users of methods for requirements engineering is essential for progress and development of new knowledge in the field.

The aim of this thesis is to develop knowledge of what social and organizational issues are important for the use and development of requirements engineering methods. The research is based on a qualitative research approach using different qualitative methods and instruments for data gathering and data analysis.

The results include an outline of a preliminary method for requirements engineering (Action Design). A "handbook evaluation" shows motives and needs for requirement engineering methods. Quality characteristics recognized in requirements engineering as important by the participants are established and prioritized. Thereafter, the value of visualization of internal functions for an enterprise in participatory design projects is presented. Finally, an integration of techniques for enterprise modeling and prioritization of requirements is performed to analyze what value such integration has and how improvements can be achieved.

This research suggests an alternative approach to requirements engineering where support and methods are grounded in the prerequisites for each situation. The results are mainly applicable to situations where multiprofessional participation is desired. It is concluded that the organizational context has to be taken into account in the improvement of methods used in-requirements engineering.