CAPM Exam Study Guide - Domain 4

What is business analysis in project management?

The practice of identifying stakeholder needs and defining requirements to deliver value.

Why is business analysis important?

It ensures the project delivers outcomes that meet real business and stakeholder needs.

What is a requirement?

A condition or capability that must be met by a product, service, or result.

What are business requirements?

High-level needs or objectives of the organization or stakeholders.

What are stakeholder requirements?

Needs or expectations of specific stakeholders.

What are solution requirements?

Detailed specifications describing how the solution will meet business and stakeholder needs.

What are non-functional requirements?

Requirements related to performance, security, usability, or reliability.

What is requirements elicitation?

The process of gathering requirements from stakeholders.

What are common elicitation techniques?

Interviews, workshops, surveys, observations, and document analysis.

Why is stakeholder involvement critical in elicitation?

Stakeholders provide insight into needs, constraints, and expectations.

What is requirements documentation?

Recording requirements clearly and unambiguously for review and approval.

What is a requirements traceability matrix (RTM)?

A tool that links requirements to deliverables, ensuring all needs are addressed.

Why is traceability important?

It helps manage changes and ensures requirements are fulfilled throughout the project.

What are acceptance criteria?

Conditions that must be met for deliverables to be accepted by stakeholders.

Who defines acceptance criteria?

Stakeholders or product owners, often with input from the project team.

What is requirements validation?

Confirming that requirements accurately reflect stakeholder needs.

Why do requirements change?

Due to evolving business needs, new information, or stakeholder feedback.

How should requirement changes be handled in predictive projects?

Through formal change control processes.

How are requirement changes handled in agile projects?

By re-prioritizing the backlog and incorporating feedback iteratively.

How does business analysis support value delivery?

By ensuring solutions align with business goals and stakeholder needs.

What is benefits realization?

Measuring whether the project outcomes deliver the intended value.

Why is value more important than outputs?

Outputs may be delivered, but value ensures they are useful and beneficial.

On the CAPM exam, what should a PM do if requirements are unclear?

Engage stakeholders to clarify needs before proceeding.

If stakeholders disagree on requirements, what is the best PM action?

Facilitate discussion to align expectations and document agreed-upon requirements.

What does PMI prioritize in business analysis?

Clear communication, stakeholder involvement, and alignment with value.