Creating a Requirements Traceability Matrix

Correct Answer: Not Started / In Progress / Completed / Verified / Accepted

The most effective scale for communicating requirement dependencies in an RTM's Status Value column is 'Not Started / In Progress / Completed / Verified / Accepted' because: 1. This scale provides clear progression tracking of requirements through their lifecycle 2. It shows both development status and validation status 3. It aligns with standard requirement management practices 4. It enables stakeholders to quickly identify where each requirement stands in the process The other options are less suitable because: Priority-based scale focuses on importance rather than status tracking Phase-based scale describes project phases rather than specific requirement statuses Color-based indicators are too simplistic and may be confusing or unclear to stakeholders, especially since colors can be interpreted differently across cultures and organizations The chosen scale provides the most comprehensive and clear view of requirement status from inception through final acceptance.

Correct Answer: Requirement ID, Description, Source, Status, Test Cases

The essential columns in a basic Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) should include: Requirement ID - For unique identification Description - Details of the requirement Source - Origin of the requirement Status - Current state of the requirement Test Cases - Verification methods These represent the core elements needed for basic traceability and validation. The other options include either too many optional elements or miss critical components: Including change history and dependencies adds complexity beyond basic needs. Focusing on business value and risk assessment shifts away from core traceability purposes. Stakeholder input and user stories are valuable but not essential for basic requirement tracking in an RTM.

Correct Answer: The ability to map requirements to specific business objectives and outcomes

The ability to map requirements to specific business objectives and outcomes is the most valuable aspect of an RTM during M&A projects because: During mergers and acquisitions, the primary goal is to ensure that both organizations' business processes align effectively. Mapping requirements to business objectives provides clear visibility into how each requirement supports the merger's strategic goals. This mapping helps: - Identify overlapping business processes - Ensure strategic alignment between organizations - Prioritize critical integration points - Validate that all essential business outcomes are addressed Why other options are less effective: Stakeholder listings and approval processes, while important, don't directly contribute to process alignment between organizations. Chronological tracking of changes is more about administrative control than strategic alignment. Technical specifications and dependencies focus on system-level details rather than business process alignment, which is the primary concern during M&A integration.