7.1. BRD – Business Requirements Document

A Business Requirements Document (BRD) outlines high-level business needs, objectives, and stakeholder expectations. It answers the "Why" and "What" of the project from a business perspective.

The Business Requirements Document (BRD) serves as a foundational document that explains the overall business needs and objectives behind a project. It highlights the reasons for initiating the project (the 'Why') and what it aims to achieve (the 'What'). This ensures that everyone involved understands the project's purpose and goals.

Think of a BRD like a blueprint for a house before it's built. It provides a detailed outline of what the house will look like, why it's being constructed, and what it aims to accomplish, making sure every builder and architect is on the same page about the project.

● To define business goals and scope ● To get executive/stakeholder buy-in and sign-off ● To initiate the project and establish a shared understanding

The BRD has several important purposes. First, it defines the business goals and the scope of what the project will cover, clarifying what is included and what is excluded. Second, it helps secure approval or buy-in from key executives and stakeholders, which is crucial for moving forward. Finally, it acts as a tool for initiating the project, ensuring that all parties have a common understanding of the project's intent.

Imagine organizing a community event. Before you start, you would need to outline the event's purpose, get the approval from local authorities (stakeholders), and ensure that everyone involved understands what the event will entail. The BRD serves a similar role in a project.

● Executive Summary / Introduction ● Business Objectives ● Project Scope (In-scope and Out-of-scope) ● Stakeholder List ● High-Level Business Requirements ● Assumptions and Constraints ● Success Criteria

The BRD consists of several key components that guide its structure. The Executive Summary introduces the document, while Business Objectives lay out what the business aims to achieve. The Project Scope details what is included and excluded in the project. The Stakeholder List identifies all parties involved, and High-Level Business Requirements specify what needs to be accomplished. Assumptions and Constraints outline any limitations or expectations, and Success Criteria define how the project's success will be measured.

Consider a strategy plan for launching a new product. You would start with a summary of what the product is, what you expect to achieve, who will be involved, the features it must have, and the challenges you might face. All these elements represent the structure of a BRD.

“The system shall allow customers to view previous transactions for up to 12 months.”

An example of a business requirement clarifies what the system must be able to do. In this case, the requirement specifies that customers should have the ability to look back at their transaction history for a year, outlining a necessary feature of the system that meets user needs.

Suppose you go to a bank and ask for a feature in its app that allows you to see all your transactions for the last year. This requirement is akin to the example provided, showcasing a critical function that enhances user experience.

● Gather and validate business needs ● Collaborate with stakeholders and sponsors ● Document and communicate the business case

The Business Analyst (BA) plays a crucial role in the development of the BRD. Their responsibilities include gathering and validating the actual needs of the business, ensuring that the documented requirements are accurate. They work closely with stakeholders and sponsors to ensure that the document reflects their expectations, and they prepare the business case that justifies the project's initiation.

If you're planning a surprise party for a friend, you would talk to mutual friends to understand what they think your friend would enjoy (gathering needs). You may then suggest ideas that fit your friend’s preferences and validate those ideas with other friends before finalizing the plan. A BA does something similar when developing a BRD.

Business stakeholders, sponsors, and project managers

The intended audience for the BRD includes business stakeholders, project sponsors, and project managers. These individuals are key decision-makers who will use the BRD to understand the project’s goals and ensure that the proposed solution aligns with business objectives.

Think of the BRD as a presentation meant for a select audience at a company meeting. The people in attendance (stakeholders, sponsors, project managers) need to grasp the project’s essentials to make informed decisions moving forward.

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