Example Use Case Specification

A complete, worked example. Use it to see how the template is filled in — actor-focused steps, alternative flows that reference specific step numbers, and paired success/failure postconditions. When several use cases are written together, BR-XXX IDs continue across files (the next use case would start at BR-004 here), and never restart at BR-001.

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Use Case: Create Reservation

Overview

Use Case ID: UC-001 Use Case Name: Create Reservation Primary Actor: Front Desk Clerk Goal: Create a new room reservation for a guest Status: Approved

Preconditions

• Clerk is logged into the system
• At least one room type is available for the requested dates

Main Success Scenario

1. Clerk selects "New Reservation" from the menu.
2. System displays the reservation form.
3. Clerk enters guest information (name, email, phone).
4. Clerk selects check-in and check-out dates.
5. System displays available room types for the selected dates.
6. Clerk selects a room type.
7. System calculates the total price.
8. Clerk confirms the reservation.
9. System creates the reservation and displays a confirmation number.

Alternative Flows

A1: Guest Already Exists

Trigger: Guest email matches existing record (step 3) Flow:

1. System displays existing guest information.
2. Clerk confirms or updates guest details.
3. Use case continues at step 4.

A2: No Rooms Available

Trigger: No rooms available for selected dates (step 5) Flow:

1. System displays "No availability" message.
2. Clerk adjusts dates or cancels operation.
3. Use case continues at step 4 or ends.

A3: Payment Required

Trigger: Business rule requires deposit (step 8) Flow:

1. System prompts for payment information.
2. Clerk enters payment details.
3. System processes payment.
4. Use case continues at step 9.

Postconditions

Success Postconditions

• Reservation is stored in the system with status "Confirmed"
• Room availability is updated for the reserved dates
• Confirmation email is sent to the guest

Failure Postconditions

• No reservation is created
• Room availability remains unchanged
• System displays error message to clerk

Business Rules

BR-001: Minimum Stay

Reservations must be for at least one night.

BR-002: Advance Booking Limit

Reservations cannot be made more than 365 days in advance.

BR-003: Deposit Requirement

Reservations of 3 or more nights require a 50% deposit.