In requirements management, what is meant by "traceability"?

Traceability in requirements management refers to the ability to connect a requirement to its origins, which includes tracking the source of a requirement throughout its lifecycle. This process allows stakeholders to understand the rationale behind each requirement, identify its purpose, and verify that it aligns with business goals or user needs.

This connection between requirements and their origins is crucial for several reasons. First, it ensures that all requirements are justified and that there is a clear understanding of why each one exists. This is particularly important in complex projects where the rationale for requirements can easily be forgotten or misinterpreted over time.

Additionally, traceability facilitates impact analysis. When changes occur, having a traceable link allows teams to assess how modifications to one requirement might affect related requirements or project elements. This comprehensive view can help maintain coherence in evolving projects.

The other options address essential aspects of requirements management, but they do not encapsulate the essence of traceability. Documenting changes, assessing satisfaction, and categorizing requirements are important practices, yet they focus on different aspects of requirements management than the core concept of tracing a requirement back to its source.