This course presents two key elements of success for projects: the effective gathering and appropriate management of project requirements. The presence or absence of detailed requirements for a new system is generally accepted as one of the key risks for project success. Through the use of discussion, hands-on exercise and simple case studies, students will be exposed to what requirements are and why they are important, types of requirements, the need for high-level requirements, how to partner for success when incorporating stakeholders in the requirements gathering process, requirements-related project start-up issues, the need for teamwork in developing requirements, the essential elements of communicating requirements, and being “agile” (applying the right amount of discipline and process). Specific tools will be demonstrated, such as requirements traceability and how requirements form an integral part of a project’s quality management plan. Student will work as teams, using case studies from actual projects to apply the techniques and practices discussed in the class.

Performance Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:

• Understand what requirements are and why they are important.
• Relate requirements activities to the Project Life Cycle.
• Identify the types of requirements.
• Relate the need for high-level requirements at specific points in the Project Life Cycle.
• Use mechanisms to manage changes to requirements and new requirements.
• Document the Project Requirements Process.
• Understand the importance of stakeholders to the requirements process.
• Effectively communicate requirements to stakeholders.
• Identify key requirements-related start-up issues for projects.
• Identify the “real” requirements.
• Understand the need for effective teamwork during requirements process.
• Relate the need for the “right” amount of discipline and process during requirements gathering and management.
• Understand the need for continuous improvement in identifying business objectives and how they relate to requirements.
• Understand the project manager’s role in project quality, and how that relates to the requirements process.
• Be familiar with the link between requirements, risk and the project manager.

Please note: Students who register less than three days prior to class may not receive their book until after class ends.