Comparative Study of the Influence of Requirements Analysis and User Participation on the Success of Two Software: An Empirical Study

The requirements analysis is identified as the first step of a software project, a reality that is being neglected within Cameroonian companies. This study was carried out in the Centre Pasteur of Yaounde, Cameroon. It aims to compare the influence of both user participation (NPU) and requirements analysis (NABE) on the success of two software applications (custom one–core business vs. generic one–support activity). A survey using a structured questionnaire was administered to 73 users. The findings enabled us to identify NPU and NABE as salient factors for the use of the system. Indeed, NPU has a direct, positive impact on Use for core business software and an indirect impact for support software. Moreover, users are willing to use the system when involved. Further broad-based research would give a generalization of our findings in various contexts. Managers should rely on the importance of user involvement and the need for a well-conducted requirements analysis, for projects' success.