Back to Requirements Management

Requirements Validation

5 minutes 5 Questions

Requirements validation ensures that the specified requirements are the right requirements. During this phase, requirements are cross-checked against some specific criteria such as testability, consistency, clarity, and relevancy. This process helps to prevent any miscommunication or misunderstanding and guarantees that the stated requirements are accurate, consistent and adequately represent the needs of the stakeholders. Moreover, it helps to avoid the risks of project failure due to incorrect, missing, ambiguous or impossible requirements.

Guide to Requirements Validation

Requirements Validation is a critical process in the development lifecycle. It ensures that the requirements defined for a system are correct, complete, and testable.

Importance: This process is vitally important as it helps to avoid costly and time-consuming revisions later in the project. It aids in identifying and correcting problems at an early stage. Misinterpreted, incorrect or incomplete requirements can lead to the failure of a project.

What it is: Requirements Validation involves reviewing the requirements to ensure they are defined correctly. It involves checking the requirements for feasibility, consistency, testability, and relevance. The validation process can involve various techniques like reviews, inspections, and walkthroughs.

How it works: In a typical Requirements Validation process, the requirements are firstly shared with all stakeholders. Then, every requirement is analyzed and scrutinized for correctness, completeness, and testability. Any found anomalies are addressed and resolved.

Exam Tips - Answering Questions on Requirements Validation:
1. Understand the difference between requirements validation and verification.
2. Remember that the validation process is a dynamic process and changes with requirements.
3. Be prepared to explain the various techniques involved in Requirements Validation.
4. Practice writing about the importance and the process of Requirements Validation.

Test mode:
Start practice test
CAPM - Requirements Management Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3)

Question 1

During the implementation phase, your client modifies the initial requirements. What should be your optimal response to confirm the modification?

Correct Answer: Ask for a revised Project Charter incorporating changes

The best answer is to 'Ask for a revised Project Charter incorporating changes'. In project management, any change in requirements should be well documented and formally incorporated in the project plan. A revised project charter will ensure that everyone is aware of the changes and their implications, and that these changes have been approved and incorporated in the project's scope. The remaining responses have some key issues. First of all, ignoring the new requirements ('Ignore and follow the original requirements') has the risk of not meeting the client’s updated need. Secondly, making changes solely on verbal feedback ('Make changes based on client verbal feedback') may lead to misunderstandings and poor documentation of project requirements. Lastly, delaying the client’s request to the next project ('Ask the client to wait until the next project') may not address the client’s current needs and may lead to dissatisfaction.

Question 2

In a project where stakeholders have conflicting views on requirements, what is the most effective method for requirements validation?

Correct Answer: Conduct a facilitated workshop

The most effective method for requirements validation in a project where stakeholders have conflicting views is to conduct a facilitated workshop. This approach is superior for several reasons:

1. Direct interaction: A workshop brings all stakeholders together in one place, allowing for face-to-face communication and real-time resolution of conflicts.

2. Collaborative environment: It fosters a collaborative atmosphere where stakeholders can work together to find common ground and resolve differences.

3. Efficient use of time: Instead of multiple separate meetings, a workshop addresses all concerns in a concentrated session.

4. Holistic view: It provides a comprehensive overview of all requirements and allows for immediate clarification of misunderstandings.

5. Facilitator guidance: A neutral facilitator can manage discussions, ensure all voices are heard, and guide the group towards consensus.

The other options are less effective:

Performing a comprehensive document analysis is time-consuming and doesn't address the interpersonal aspect of conflicting views.

Executing one-on-one interviews with each stakeholder might exacerbate conflicts as it doesn't provide a platform for direct discussion between parties.

Implementing a voting system may lead to some stakeholders feeling their concerns are unaddressed, potentially causing resentment and future project issues.

A facilitated workshop is the most dynamic and interactive approach, making it ideal for resolving conflicts and validating requirements effectively.

Question 3

You are managing a web development project and a significant change in the design requirement from the customer is brought up that may alter the project scope. How would you confirm these new requirements?

Correct Answer: Establish a meeting with the client and other key stakeholders to discuss the new requirements, understanding its impact on the project scope, time, and cost

The best approach when a significant change is brought up mid-project is to 'Establish a meeting with the client and other key stakeholders to discuss the new requirements, understanding its impact on the project scope, time, and cost'. This allows you to openly discuss the impact of the alteration and negotiate if necessary, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and understands what the change would mean for the project. The other options could be counterproductive leading to project failure. Ignoring the new requirements ('Ignore the new requirement and proceed as per the initial plan') would be ignoring the client's needs, whereas immediately incorporating them ('Immediately include the new requirement in the project without any further discussions') would risk compromising the project’s boundaries without understanding its impact. While estimating the time and cost of the new requirement before discussing with the client ('Ask the development team to estimate the time and cost for the new requirement before discussing with the client') is not entirely a wrong approach, it is typically more efficient to first understand the client’s perspective thoroughly before proceeding with estimations and potential redesign.

Go Premium

Certified Associate in Project Management Preparation Package (2024)

  • Earn 15 PDUs needed for your CAPM certification
  • 4454 Superior-grade Certified Associate in Project Management practice questions.
  • Accelerated Mastery: Deep dive into critical topics to fast-track your mastery.
  • Unlock Effortless CAPM preparation: 5 full exams.
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: Full refund with no questions if unsatisfied.
  • Bonus: If you upgrade now you get upgraded access to all courses
  • Risk-Free Decision: Start with a 7-day free trial - get premium features at no cost!
More Requirements Validation questions
12 questions (total)
Start 12 question test