Understanding the reference transaction: A systems analysis perspective

The reference transaction can be understood as a system and modeled as such . By adopting a problem-solving paradigm other than the one traditionally u sed in this area (i.e., flowcharting), a systems analysis of the question-a nswering process can yield new insights, in particular, this article identi fies fifteen functional requirements of the process as well as fit criteria to measure success in question negotiation. In addition, the process is gr aphically illustrated using four diagrams of the reference transaction and provides a top-level perspective of the process.