Why do good requirements go bad?

Sample Solution

 

• Incomplete or ambiguous requirements: If the requirements are not complete or ambiguous, it can lead to misunderstandings and disagreements between stakeholders. This can lead to changes in the requirements later in the project, which can increase costs and delays.
• Unrealistic requirements: If the requirements are unrealistic, it can lead to frustration and disappointment among stakeholders. This can also lead to changes in the requirements later in the project, as stakeholders realize that the requirements are not achievable.

Full Answer Section

 

• Changing requirements: Requirements can change for a number of reasons, such as new insights, changes in the business environment, or changes in the technology. However, if requirements change too often, it can make it difficult to manage the project and can lead to delays and cost overruns.
• Poor communication: If there is poor communication between stakeholders, it can lead to misunderstandings about the requirements. This can lead to changes in the requirements later in the project, as stakeholders realize that they do not agree on what the requirements are.

Here are some things that can be done to prevent requirements from going bad:

• Get buy-in from all stakeholders: It is important to get buy-in from all stakeholders on the requirements before the project begins. This will help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that there are no surprises later in the project.
• Use a requirements management tool: A requirements management tool can help to track the requirements and ensure that they are complete, unambiguous, and realistic.
• Have a change management process: A change management process should be in place to handle changes to the requirements. This will help to ensure that changes are managed in a controlled manner and that they do not impact the project timeline or budget.
• Communicate effectively: Effective communication is essential for managing requirements. Stakeholders should be kept informed of the requirements and any changes to the requirements.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent good requirements from going bad. This will help to ensure that your project is successful and that you deliver the product or service that your stakeholders need. Here are some additional tips for preventing requirements from going bad:

• Use a variety of techniques to gather requirements: This includes interviews, surveys, and workshops.
• Validate the requirements with stakeholders: This means getting their feedback and making sure that they understand the requirements.
• Prioritize the requirements: This will help you to focus on the most important requirements first.
• Use a requirements traceability matrix: This will help you to track the requirements and ensure that they are implemented correctly.
• Document the requirements: This will help to ensure that everyone understands the requirements and that they are not lost over time.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your requirements are complete, unambiguous, realistic, and changeable. This will help to prevent your project from going off track and will increase your chances of success.