Requirements definition and management REQM

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Managing requirements through the entire delivery and operational life cycle.

SFIA 9 is in development

SFIA 9 beta due in early July 2024
SFIA 9 planned for publication October 2024

Guidance notes

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Requirements may be related to software, systems, data, processes, products or services.

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

eliciting and analysing requirements, both functional and non-functional, with a focus on testability and measurability
ensuring that customer requirements, priorities, and acceptance criteria are accurately captured and validated
organising and prioritising requirements using techniques such as, but not limited to, product roadmaps, epics, user stories and backlogs
specifying and validating requirements, constraints, and acceptance criteria to a level that enables effective development and operations of new or changed software, systems, processes, products or services
negotiating trade-offs that are acceptable to key stakeholders and within budgetary, technical, regulatory, and other constraints
adopting and adapting requirements management life cycle models.

The requirements life cycle approach will be based on the context of the work and may be selected from predictive (plan-driven) or adaptive (iterative/agile) approaches.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...

Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.

Where higher levels are not defined...

Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and reponsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
Supporting others with tasks (generic examples are provided by the essence statements for each level)

Where higher levels are not defined...

You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Levels

Defined at these levels:

Click to learn why SFIA skills are not defined at all 7 levels.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Level 1

Level 1 - Follow: Essence of the level: Performs routine tasks under close supervision, follows instructions, and requires guidance to complete their work. Learns and applies basic skills and knowledge.

Requirements definition and management: Level 2

Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

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Uses standard techniques to elicit, specify, and document requirements for simple subject areas with clearly-defined boundaries.

Assists in the definition and management of requirements.

Assists in the creation of a requirements baseline/backlog.

Assists in investigating and applying changes to requirements.

Requirements definition and management: Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

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Defines and manages scoping, requirements definition and prioritisation activities for small-scale changes and assists with more complex change initiatives.

Follows agreed standards and applies appropriate techniques to elicit and document detailed requirements. Provides constructive challenge to stakeholders as required. Reviews requirements for errors and omissions.

Prioritises requirements and documents traceability to source.

Provides input to the requirements baseline/backlog. Investigates, manages and applies requests for changes to requirements, in line with change management policy.

Requirements definition and management: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and supervises others, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

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Defines and manages scoping, requirements definition and prioritisation activities for initiatives of medium size and complexity.

Contributes to selecting the requirements approach.

Facilitates input from stakeholders, provides constructive challenge and enables effective prioritisation of requirements.

Establishes requirements baselines or backlogs, obtains appropriate agreement to requirements, and ensures traceability to source.

Requirements definition and management: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for achieving workgroup objectives and managing work from analysis to execution and evaluation.

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Plans and drives scoping, requirements definition and prioritisation activities for large, complex initiatives.

Selects, adopts and adapts appropriate requirements definition and management methods, tools and techniques. Contributes to the development of organisational methods and standards for requirements management.

Obtains input from, and agreement to requirements from a diverse range of stakeholders. Negotiates with stakeholders to manage competing priorities and conflicts.

Establishes requirements baselines or backlogs. Ensures changes to requirements are investigated and managed.

Requirements definition and management: Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, fosters organizational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

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Champions the importance and value of requirements management principles and selecting effective requirements management life cycle models.

Develops organisational policies, standards, and guidelines for requirements definition and management.

Plans and leads scoping, requirements definition and priority setting for complex, strategic programmes.

Drives adoption of, and adherence to, policies and standards. Develops new methods and organisational capabilities for requirements management.

Level 7

Level 7 - Set strategy, inspire, mobilise: Essence of the level: Operates at the highest organisational level, determines overall organisational vision and strategy, and assumes accountability for overall success.