In alignment with the PMI Guide to Business Analysis and the PMBOK® Guide, conflict resolution regarding requirements often requires an objective, data-driven approach to decision-making. When stakeholders have competing needs, the project must prioritize those that offer the highest value or align most closely with strategic objectives.
Why Choice C is correct: Weighted ranking (also known as a Weighted Scoring Model or Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis) is a technique used to evaluate and prioritize requirements based on a set of pre-defined criteria. Each criterion is assigned a weight based on its importance. Requirements are then scored against these criteria. This tool is most effective for resolving conflicts because it:
Removes emotional bias from the conversation.
Provides a transparent framework that stakeholders can agree upon.
Quantifies the " value " of each requirement, making it clear why one is prioritized over another.
Analysis of other options:
A (Peer review): This is a quality control technique where colleagues examine a work product for errors. While it helps find bugs or logic gaps, it is not a tool for resolving stakeholder conflicts over competing priorities.
B (Procurement management): This involves the process of purchasing goods or services from outside the organization. It has no direct relation to resolving internal requirements conflicts.
D (Risk assessment): While every requirement carries risk, a risk assessment identifies threats and opportunities. It does not provide a mechanism for choosing between two competing features that stakeholders both want.
By using Weighted ranking, the Business Analyst can facilitate a session where stakeholders agree on the criteria first (e.g., ROI, Regulatory Compliance, Technical Effort). Once the criteria are set, the " winner " between competing requirements is determined by the data, leading to a smoother resolution and better stakeholder buy-in.
