A recent arXiv preprint presents a narrative overview of requirements engineering and its role in mitigating software development risks. The abstract notes that problems originating in requirements are both common and expensive, and are a recurring cause of late delivery, budget overruns, and cancellation.

By framing requirements engineering as a risk-mitigation strategy, the paper underscores the importance of getting requirements right early. The abstract does not detail specific techniques, but it positions the topic as a critical lever for project success.

As a narrative overview, the paper synthesises existing knowledge rather than presenting new experimental results. It serves as a reminder that requirements issues are a leading source of software project failure, and that effective requirements engineering may help avoid these outcomes.