The next step that the business analyst should take after comparing the requirements to internal and external quality standards is to ensure that the requirements are validated. Validation is a process that confirms that the requirements align with the business objectives, stakeholder needs, and expected value of the project. Validation also ensures that the requirements are feasible, acceptable, and testable. Validation can be performed by using techniques such as reviews, walkthroughs, inspections, or demonstrations. Validation can help to identify and resolve any errors, gaps, or conflicts in the requirements before they are approved and implemented. Setting the priority of the requirements is not the next step that the business analyst should take after comparing the requirements to internal and external quality standards, as it is a process that determines the order and importance of the requirements based on their value, risk, urgency, or dependency. Priority can be set before or after comparing the requirements to quality standards, but it does not verify or confirm that the requirements meet the stakeholder expectations or project goals. Communicating the requirements to stakeholders is not the next step that the business analyst should take after comparing the requirements to internal and external quality standards, as it is a process that involves sharing and presenting the requirements to relevant stakeholders for feedback, approval, or implementation. Communication can be done before or after comparing the requirements to quality standards, but it does not check or ensure that the requirements are aligned with the business objectives or deliver value to the stakeholders. Baselineing the requirements is not the next step that the business analyst should take after comparing the requirements to internal and external quality standards, as it is a process that establishes an agreed-upon version of the requirements as a reference point for further changes or development. Baselineing can be done only after validating and approving the requirements, as it implies that they are complete, correct, clear, and consistent. References: Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide 1, page 113-114; PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)® Examination Content Outline 2, page 17.
