How do requirements influence project scope?

The correct answer highlights the pivotal role that requirements play in determining both the inclusions and exclusions of a project's scope. Requirements provide a detailed understanding of what the stakeholders need, which directly shapes the features and functionalities that will be delivered within the project. When project teams gather and analyze requirements, they can clearly outline the boundaries of the project, ensuring that only relevant features are included in the scope and that any unnecessary elements are excluded.

This alignment helps prevent scope creep, which is the uncontrolled expansion of project scope without adjustments to time, cost, or resources. By clearly defining requirements at the outset, project managers can create a focused scope that aligns with stakeholder expectations and business goals. This structured approach contributes to ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and that the project delivers the intended outcomes.

The other options do not accurately reflect the relationship between requirements and scope. For instance, stating that requirements have no effect on project scope overlooks their fundamental role in shaping what is delivered. Similarly, claiming that requirements are irrelevant to scope management disregards the integral part they play in guiding the scope definition process. Finally, suggesting that requirements only matter during project execution fails to recognize their critical importance in the planning phases, where defining scope and aligning stakeholder needs is essential.