Determine Traceability and Monitoring Approach
The process of "Determine Traceability and Monitoring Approach" revolves around how traceability is executed on varying scopes, from portfolios to individual products. This process defines how any alterations in requirements are overseen. The main advantage here is the tailoring of the traceability level and the structure of the requirements change management procedure according to the situation at hand.
Key components of this process are illustrated in Figures 8-2 and 8-3, presenting the inputs, tools, techniques, and outputs, as well as the data flow diagram respectively.
Core Aspects of the Approach
The traceability and monitoring approach focuses on outlining traceability and change management methodologies for portfolios, programs, projects, or products. For optimal outcomes, this approach should:
Ensure that the traceability process minimizes oversight of requirements in the final outcome.
Advocate for a traceability procedure that is efficient and not cumbersome.
Guarantee that the change management process aligns with business or project goals.
Simplify the implementation of necessary alterations through the change management process.
Align the traceability and change management strategies with organizational standards, fulfill regulatory stipulations, and prepare for future demands. This includes offering invaluable insights about the product beyond the project's timeframe.
Components Related to Traceability
The facets of the approach dealing with traceability may encompass:
- Determining objects that need tracing.
- Deciding on the granularity of detail in traceability.
- Pinpointing relationships that need establishment and maintenance.
- Deciding where these relationships will be recorded. This could involve requirement attributes, a traceability matrix, or certain tools meant for managing requirements.
- Understanding the various stages of the requirement lifecycle, such as approval, deferral, or rejection.
Components Related to Change Management
Aspects of this approach pertinent to change management could include:
- Procedures for proposing changes to requirements.
- Review mechanisms for these changes.
- Documentation strategies for change management decisions.
- Communication methods for any alterations in requirements.
- Processes for updating requirements, models, traceability, and other relevant product details post change approval.
- Defining roles and responsibilities for the requirements change procedure.
Traceability Approach
This approach demarcates the requirements blueprint used to relate requirements, models, and other related product data. The exact items that need tracing should be explicitly mentioned as traceability requirements fluctuate between portfolios, programs, projects, and products. Regardless of the life cycle adhered to, decisions about traceability should prioritize both immediate and future benefits of curating and retaining traceability details. Traceability isn't just about product details; it can also be applied to deliverables or aspects not related to business analysis, such as product design or development. For more detailed insights on traceability, refer to Sections 3.4.10 and 5.2.1 in "Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide".
Change Management Process
This process lays out how alterations to product data are managed throughout the project's duration. Depending on the project's life cycle, the requirements change procedure can differ. For instance, a project with a predictive life cycle might employ a structured change management method, while an adaptive life cycle project may not, given the inherent expectation of evolving requirements in the latter. For comprehensive guidelines on structuring requirements change procedures, one can refer to Section 3.4.14 in "Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide".
Inputs
Analysis Approach
The Analysis Approach defines the overall strategy for planning and performing the business analysis tasks. This strategic plan is tailored to the specifics of the project or initiative and ensures that the activities and techniques used are consistent and effective in meeting objectives.
Business Goals and Objectives
Business Goals and Objectives provide a clear understanding of what the organization seeks to achieve. These are essential for ensuring that the business analysis activities are aligned with the organization's strategic direction and for providing a framework for evaluating potential solutions.
Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEFs)
Enterprise Environmental Factors are internal or external factors that can impact the success of the business analysis activities. These factors can include organizational culture, market conditions, or regulatory requirements and need to be considered when analyzing product risks.
Product Scope
Product Scope defines the boundaries and deliverables of the product or solution. It sets clear expectations and constraints, which are vital for risk analysis as it helps in identifying risks that may affect the product’s quality, timelines, and budget.
Requirements and Other Product Information
Requirements and Other Product Information include detailed specifications and data about the product that are essential for identifying and analyzing potential risks associated with the product.
Tools and Techniques
Context Diagram
A Context Diagram is a visual representation of the system and its environment. It shows the system's boundaries, external entities that interact with it, and the flow of information between the system and its environment, which aids in risk identification.
Ecosystem Map
An Ecosystem Map is a holistic view of the system’s environment, including all relevant entities and their interrelationships. It helps in understanding the broader context in which the product operates, thereby identifying potential risks from external factors.
Elicitation Techniques
Elicitation Techniques are methods used to gather information from stakeholders. These techniques can uncover risks that stakeholders are aware of or have experienced in the past.
Estimation Techniques
Estimation Techniques are used to predict the most realistic amount of effort required to develop or maintain the product. These techniques help in identifying risks related to resource allocation, timelines, and budgeting.
Organizational Chart
An Organizational Chart is a diagram that shows the structure of an organization and the relationships between its parts. It can help identify risks related to communication, authority, or responsibility.
Process Flows
Process Flows are graphical representations of the steps involved in a process. Analyzing these flows can reveal risks related to inefficiencies, bottlenecks, or potential points of failure in a process.
Product Backlog
The Product Backlog is an ordered list of everything that is known to be needed in the product. It is a dynamic tool that helps in risk identification and prioritization related to product features and functionalities.
Risk Burndown Chart
A Risk Burndown Chart is a graphical representation that shows the reduction of risk over time. It helps in tracking the resolution of risks and in ensuring that risk mitigation efforts are effective.
Risk Register
The Risk Register is a tool used to document risks, their severity, and the actions steps for managing these risks. It serves as a central repository for all identified risks and their status.
Root Cause and Opportunity Analysis
Root Cause and Opportunity Analysis is a problem-solving method used to identify the underlying causes of risks or opportunities, thereby enabling the team to address the root issues rather than symptoms.
SWOT Analysis
SWOT Analysis is a strategic planning technique used to identify Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats related to the product. It is a comprehensive method for assessing both internal and external factors that can affect the product's success.
Outputs
Product Risk Analysis
Product Risk Analysis is the systematic process of identifying, analyzing, and prioritizing risks associated with a product. This analysis is crucial for developing strategies to manage and mitigate risks effectively, ensuring the product's success.