Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Over the past decade, the relationship between business process re-engineering and requirements traceability has become a subject of considerable debate among scholars and industry practitioners alike, particularly within the context of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Sector where operating conditions differ markedly from more developed markets.

Within the context of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Sector, this relationship carries particular significance. Organizations in this setting operate under a distinct combination of economic, regulatory, and market conditions that may amplify or dampen the effect of business process re-engineering on requirements traceability, making a context-specific inquiry both timely and necessary.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While business process re-engineering is widely discussed in policy and industry circles, empirical evidence on its actual effect on requirements traceability within the Nigerian Oil and Gas Sector remains sparse and, in places, contradictory. This lack of localized, rigorous evidence makes it difficult for decision-makers to know with confidence whether current approaches to business process re-engineering are helping or hindering requirements traceability — a gap this study sets out to close.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the effect of Business Process Re-engineering on requirements traceability in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Sector.
2. To assess the extent to which business process re-engineering influences requirements traceability within the study area.
3. To identify the challenges associated with business process re-engineering in relation to requirements traceability.
4. To recommend strategies for optimizing business process re-engineering in order to improve requirements traceability.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the effect of business process re-engineering on requirements traceability in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Sector?
2. To what extent does business process re-engineering influence requirements traceability within the study area?
3. What challenges are associated with business process re-engineering in relation to requirements traceability?
4. What strategies can be adopted to optimize business process re-engineering in order to improve requirements traceability?

1.5 Significance of the Study

Beyond its academic contribution to the field of business analysis, this study has practical value for management teams within the Nigerian Oil and Gas Sector seeking to understand how business process re-engineering translates into measurable outcomes around requirements traceability. It is equally useful to students and future researchers looking for a localized empirical reference on this relationship.

1.6 Scope of the Study

In terms of scope, this MSc study confines itself to the Nigerian Oil and Gas Sector, focusing specifically on how business process re-engineering relates to requirements traceability within that setting. Findings are interpreted within these boundaries rather than as universal claims applicable to every organization or market.