Definition - 7.3.1
Enroll to start learning
Youβve not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.
Interactive Audio Lesson
Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.
Business Requirements Document (BRD)
π Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Today, we're going to delve into the Business Requirements Document, or BRD. Who can tell me why this document is important for a project?
It helps define what the business needs and aligns the stakeholders.
Correct! The BRD outlines high-level business needs, objectives, and stakeholder expectations. It answers the 'Why' and 'What' of the project. Can anyone name a key component of the BRD?
An executive summary?
Excellent! An executive summary is indeed a vital part. Remember the acronym 'SCOPE,' which stands for Scope, Components, Objectives, and Purpose to help recall BRD components.
What is one example of a business requirement?
A good example would be: 'The system shall allow customers to view previous transactions for up to 12 months.' It provides a clear expectation of functionality. Great insights, everyone!
Functional Requirements Document (FRD)
π Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Next, let's explore the Functional Requirements Document, also known as the FRD. What do we think is the main purpose of this document?
To guide developers on what the system should do?
Absolutely! The FRD translates business needs into detailed functionalities and serves as a guide for developers and QA teams. Can someone provide a component of the FRD?
Use case diagrams!
Spot on! Use case diagrams help visualize interactions. Let's remember 'FIND' for Functional requirements: Features, Inputs, Non-functional aspects, and Data flow to help recall key components.
How do BAs ensure traceability?
Great question! BAs ensure traceability by linking BRD to FRD and subsequently to test cases. This ensures that every requirement is validated during development.
Software Requirements Specification (SRS)
π Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Finally, let's look at the Software Requirements Specification or SRS. Can someone summarize what makes the SRS different from the BRD and FRD?
It combines both functional and non-functional requirements, right?
Correct! The SRS offers a comprehensive reference for development and QA. Who can list a non-functional requirement?
Performance?
Exactly! Non-functional requirements like performance, security, and usability are crucial for system design. Remember 'PURS' for Performance, Usability, Reliability, and Security to help remember them.
Why is it important for the BA to work with architects and development leads?
BAs ensure that all stakeholder requirements are included and are in agreement with what's being developed. Collaboration is key to success. Well done, everyone!
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
In this section, we explore three crucial requirement documents: the Business Requirements Document (BRD), the Functional Requirements Document (FRD), and the Software Requirements Specification (SRS). Each document's definition, purpose, and primary components are defined to facilitate stakeholder alignment and project success.
Detailed
Definition of Key Requirement Documents
This section hinges on understanding three essential requirement documents pivotal for project success: the Business Requirements Document (BRD), the Functional Requirements Document (FRD), and the Software Requirements Specification (SRS).
1. Business Requirements Document (BRD)
- Definition: A BRD outlines high-level business needs and expectations. It answers "Why" and "What" questions from a business viewpoint.
- Purpose: Its aim is to define business goals, secure stakeholder buy-in, and lay a foundation for project initiation.
- Key Components Include: Executive summary, business objectives, project scope, stakeholder list, high-level business requirements, assumptions and constraints, and success criteria.
- Role of BA: Gather and document business needs and establish a common understanding among stakeholders.
2. Functional Requirements Document (FRD)
- Definition: An FRD translates business needs into detailed functionalities, thereby clarifying how the system should respond to specific scenarios.
- Purpose: Serves as a guiding document for developers and QA teams, detailing what the system should provide from a technical perspective.
- Key Components Include: Functional features, use case diagrams, data flow diagrams, interface requirements, business rules, and acceptance criteria.
- Role of BA: Collaborate with tech teams to expand on functional needs and maintain traceability between requirements.
3. Software Requirements Specification (SRS)
- Definition: An SRS consolidates both functional and non-functional requirements, being more technical than the BRD and FRD. It's essential for engineering or vendor handovers.
- Purpose: Acts as a comprehensive reference for development and quality assurance, ensuring clarity and completeness.
- Key Components Include: Introduction, system overview, functional requirements, non-functional requirements, system interfaces, assumptions, dependencies, constraints, and a traceability matrix.
- Role of BA: Facilitate communication between architects and development teams to validate stakeholder requirements.
In summary, these documents are foundational to documentation and alignment in project development, ensuring clarity and facilitating successful outcomes.
Audio Book
Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.
Business Requirements Document (BRD)
Chapter 1 of 6
π Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
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.
Detailed Explanation
The Business Requirements Document (BRD) is crucial for any project because it clearly states what the project aims to achieve from a business standpoint. When the BRD is constructed, it captures high-level needs and expectations of all stakeholders involved, ensuring everyone has a shared understanding of what the project is about. It sets the groundwork for the project by defining the direction in which it should go.
Examples & Analogies
Think of the BRD as the blueprint for a house. Before construction begins, you need to have a clear plan that outlines how the house will look and what features it will have. Similarly, the BRD provides a clear plan for the project, detailing what stakeholders expect and ensuring the project team builds toward the same vision.
Purpose of the BRD
Chapter 2 of 6
π Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
- To define business goals and scope
- To get executive/stakeholder buy-in and sign-off
- To initiate the project and establish a shared understanding
Detailed Explanation
The purpose of the BRD is multi-faceted. First, it helps to define the overarching goals of the business and delineates the project's scope, which includes what is included and what is excluded from the project. Next, it facilitates buy-in from executives and stakeholders by ensuring they approve the goals outlined in the BRD. Finally, the BRD serves to kick off the project by aligning everyone's understanding, which is critical for effective collaboration throughout the project's lifecycle.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine planning a family vacation. The purpose of your family meeting (similar to the BRD) is to discuss where everyone wants to go (goals), what activities are available (scope), and to agree on who is embarking on the trip (stakeholder buy-in). Just like that family meeting, the BRD helps everyone get on the same page before the vacation begins.
Key Components of the BRD
Chapter 3 of 6
π Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
- Executive Summary / Introduction
- Business Objectives
- Project Scope (In-scope and Out-of-scope)
- Stakeholder List
- High-Level Business Requirements
- Assumptions and Constraints
- Success Criteria
Detailed Explanation
The BRD consists of several key components that ensure all necessary information is documented. The Executive Summary provides a brief overview of the project, while the Business Objectives detail the specific goals. The Project Scope defines what aspects of the project are included and what are not. The Stakeholder List includes everyone involved, and High-Level Business Requirements outline the main needs. Additionally, Assumptions and Constraints address factors that could impact the project, and Success Criteria specify how to determine if the project is successful.
Examples & Analogies
This is akin to creating a recipe for a dish. Just as a recipe includes an introduction (what you're cooking), a list of ingredients (objectives), the steps involved (scope), and what the finished dish should look like (success criteria), the BRD contains all necessary elements to guide a project to its successful completion.
Example Business Requirement
Chapter 4 of 6
π Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
βThe system shall allow customers to view previous transactions for up to 12 months.β
Detailed Explanation
The example business requirement is a specific statement that outlines one of the functionalities expected from the project. It indicates a clear expectation of what the system should enable users to do within a defined timeframe, which is crucial for both developers and stakeholders to establish clear objectives.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine youβre at a bank, and you want to check your transaction history. If the bank's system offers you the ability to see transactions from the past year, it's akin to what this requirement is describing. It sets clear expectations for what the software needs to deliver, just like the bank needs to ensure its customers can access their financial histories effortlessly.
BAβs Role in the BRD
Chapter 5 of 6
π Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
- Gather and validate business needs
- Collaborate with stakeholders and sponsors
- Document and communicate the business case
Detailed Explanation
The Business Analyst (BA) plays a crucial role in the creation and maintenance of the BRD. First, they gather and validate the business needs by interacting with stakeholders to ensure that all requirements are captured accurately. Then, they work collaboratively with those stakeholders and project sponsors to refine these needs and ensure alignment. Finally, the BA documents these elements in a clear and structured manner, communicating the business case effectively to all involved parties.
Examples & Analogies
Consider the BA as a tour guide planning a trip. The guide must speak with the group to find out what they want to see (gathering needs), work with them to figure out the best itinerary (collaborating), and ultimately create an engaging travel brochure that outlines the trip (documenting and communicating the business case). This ensures everyone enjoys the journey and knows what to expect.
Target Audience of the BRD
Chapter 6 of 6
π Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
Business stakeholders, sponsors, and project managers.
Detailed Explanation
The BRD is specifically geared toward those in the organization who have a vested interest in the project, including business stakeholders who need to see the value, sponsors who provide support and funding, and project managers who oversee project execution. It is crafted to meet their needs and ensure alignment across all parties.
Examples & Analogies
Think of hosting a dinner party. The BRD is like the inviting letter sent to your guests (the target audience). You need to inform them of whatβs on the menu (business goals), who else will be attending (stakeholders), and the timeframe (project scheduling) so that they can prepare for it. The more relevant and informative your invitation, the better your guests can prepare and engage with the event.
Key Concepts
-
BRD: Defines high-level business needs and is essential for stakeholder alignment.
-
FRD: Provides details on how the system should behave based on functional requirements.
-
SRS: Combines both functional and non-functional requirements to ensure system clarity.
Examples & Applications
Example of a business requirement in a BRD: 'The system shall allow customers to view previous transactions for up to 12 months.'
Example of a functional requirement in an FRD: 'When a user clicks βDownload Invoiceβ, the system should generate a PDF with billing details.'
Example of a non-functional requirement in an SRS: 'The application shall support up to 10,000 concurrent users with a response time of < 3 seconds.'
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
BRD is grand, setting scope so clear; FRD guides devs, never let them veer.
Stories
Imagine an architect drawing blueprints (SRS) for a building's structure (BRD) and plumbing (FRD) for smooth functioning.
Memory Tools
Remember 'FIND' for FRD components: Features, Inputs, Non-functional aspects, and Data flow.
Acronyms
'BOSS' for remembering BRD
Business Objectives and Stakeholder Support.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- BRD
Business Requirements Document: A document that outlines high-level business needs and expectations.
- FRD
Functional Requirements Document: A document that translates business needs into detailed functionalities or behaviors of the system.
- SRS
Software Requirements Specification: A document that combines both functional and non-functional requirements into one comprehensive resource.
- BA
Business Analyst: The role responsible for gathering and documenting business needs.
- Stakeholders
Individuals or groups with an interest in the project's outcome.
Reference links
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.