PMP Practice Questions #163
Which of the following elements are essential components of a Requirements Traceability Matrix?
A) Requirement ID, Description, Priority, Resource Assigned
B) Requirement ID, Description, Deliverable, Test Cases
C) Requirement ID, Description, Mitigation Steps, Status
D) Requirement ID, Description, Risks, Requirement Source
Analysis
This is a detailed explanation of the elements that should be included in a Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM), primarily focusing on the components that link requirements to their deliverables. The Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) serves as a comprehensive grid that links each project requirement from its inception (Business Need) through to the deliverables that fulfill these requirements. This matrix is instrumental in maintaining the integrity of the requirements throughout the project lifecycle. By systematically connecting requirements to their corresponding deliverables and tracking their progression, the RTM ensures that all project outputs align with the original business needs and stakeholder expectations. The RTM facilitates transparent validation processes, ensuring that each requirement and its respective deliverables align well with the original business needs
Analysis of Options:
Option A: Requirement ID, Description, Priority, Resource Assigned: The initial three components (Requirement ID, Description, Priority) are pertinent to the RTM as they help in identifying and prioritizing the requirements. However, ‘Resource Assigned’ is more relevant to project scheduling or the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and does not typically appear in an RTM. This misalignment makes Option A less suitable.
Option B: Requirement ID, Description, Deliverable, Test Cases: This option aligns well with the structure of an RTM. It includes Requirement ID and Description for basic requirement tracking, ‘Deliverable’ which directly connects the requirement to its deliverable, and ‘Test Cases’ for verifying that the deliverables meet the requirements. Although ‘Test Cases’ could be broadly labeled as verification artifacts, their inclusion is justified as they play a crucial role in the verificatio of deliverables.
Option C: Requirement ID, Description, Mitigation Steps, Status: While Requirement ID and Description are standard, ‘Mitigation Steps’ are typically associated with risk management and would more appropriately belong in a Risk Register rather than an RTM. ‘Status’ might be included in an RTM to indicate the progress of requirements fulfillment, but the inclusion of ‘Mitigation Steps’ makes this option incorrect.
Option D: Requirement ID, Description, Risks, Requirement Source: Requirement ID and Description are correct; ‘Requirement Source’ is plausible as it could indicate the origin or category of the requirement, such as compliance or stakeholder-driven needs. However, ‘Risks’ are not stored in an RTM but in a risk register. This mixture of appropriate and inappropriate elements makes Option D an incorrect choice.
Conclusion: Option B is the most appropriate choice for the elements of a Requirements Traceability Matrix. It accurately links requirements to their respective deliverables and includes essential components for deliverable verification, aligning with the primary function of an RTM. The other options, while occasionally pertinent, do not fully match the fundamental structure of an RTM.
PMP Exam Content Outline Mapping
| Domain | Task |
|---|---|
| Task 8: Plan and manage scope | Task 8: Plan and manage scope |
Topics Covered
- Requirements Traceability Matrix
