Monitor requirements throughout their lifecycles using a traceability artifact or tool in order to ensure the appropriate supporting requirements artifacts (such as models, documentation, and test cases) are produced, reviewed and approved at each point in the lifecycle.

Requirements traceability is primarily about creating a documented association or “trace” between multiple layers of requirements within the project lifecycle. This includes tracing backward, known as backward traceability (ties current requirements to their origin) and tracing forward, known as forward traceability (relates requirements to dependent products).

Adopting a requirements traceability tool or artifact, therefore, serves two primary functions:

1. It enables a mechanism to monitor what is being designed and built back to the originating business requirements.
2. It ensures the right level of documentation, models, test cases, etc., are produced, reviewed, and approved at each point in the lifecycle.

Crucial Tool/Artifact Selection Factors for Successful Requirement Traceability

When selecting a traceability tool or artifact, these factors should be considered:

• It should support the creation and management of relationships between artifacts.
• It should facilitate easy and quick navigation among linked artifacts.
• It should be equipped with analysis and reporting capabilities.
• It should enable updating and maintaining traceability links.
• It should also offer collaborative features for teamwork.

For instance, leading requirements management tools like Jira, Trello, and IBM Rational DOORS offer advanced functionality for managing and mapping requirements, impacting analysis, and producing insightful reports.

An Exemplary Requirement Lifecycle – From Inception to Deployment

Consider a requirement R1 “Build a secure log-in feature”. The traceability for the requirement (R1) might look something like this:

1. Origination (Stakeholder): Stakeholder requests a secure login feature to protect user data.
2. Design (Designer): Designer sketches a model or mock-up of how the login feature is supposed to function.
3. Development (Developer): Developer writes the code to implement the login feature.
4. Testing (Tester): Tester writes test cases and performs testing to the requirement.
5. Deployment (Project Manager): The feature is finally launched and delivered to the end-users.

This traceability link provides visibility into the lifecycle of every requirement and serves as a basis for impact analysis, facilitating requirement changes management.

Importance of Monitoring & Maintenance

Just creating links won’t be sufficient. Regular monitoring and maintenance of these links throughout the lifecycle are equally important. This continuous process helps ensure all requirements are being fulfilled as expected and allows early detection of any discrepancies. It maintains a live and accurate picture of the project progress aligning with the planned commitments.

Through a proper requirements traceability practice using the right tool or artifact, business analysts can not only track the various stages of the requirements but can also ensure that the necessary supporting documentation is produced, reviewed, and approved at every stage. It becomes a powerful practice in requirement management, contributing to project success and reinforced stakeholder trust.

Hence, those preparing for the PMI-PBA exam should adequately comprehend the concept and best practices of requirements traceability. Remember, proficient requirement tracking plays a pivotal role in successful project delivery, stakeholder satisfaction, and ultimately, your credibility as a business analysis professional.

In conclusion, using a requirements traceability tool or artifact not only improves requirement management but also assures that all supporting artifacts are appropriately created, validated, and approved, improving the overall project delivery process. The underlying essence for a PMI-PBA aspirant is to understand, recognize, and appreciate the importance of this critical business analysis practice.