  [Context and motivation] When developing software, coordination between
different organizational units is essential in order to develop a good quality
product, on time and within budget. Particularly, the synchronization between
requirements and verification processes is crucial in order to assure that the
developed software product satisfies customer requirements. [Question/problem]
Our research question is: what are the current challenges in aligning the
requirements and verification processes? [Principal ideas/results] We conducted
an interview study at a large software development company. This paper presents
preliminary findings of these interviews that identify key challenges in
aligning requirements and verification processes. [Contribution] The result of
this study includes a range of challenges faced by the studied organization
grouped into the categories: organization and processes, people, tools,
requirements process, testing process, change management, traceability, and
measurement. The findings of this study can be used by practitioners as a basis
for investigating alignment in their organizations, and by scientists in
developing approaches for more efficient and effective management of the
alignment between requirements and verification.
