What is a Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM)?

What is a Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM)?

• A. A summary of all test cases performed
• B. A timeline of development milestones
• C. A document linking requirements in validation and verification
• D. A project budget outlining development costs

Answer: (C)

The Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) is a crucial tool used in the realms of project management and systems engineering. It serves to ensure that every requirement defined in the project is linked directly to its corresponding validation and verification processes.

By mapping these requirements to specific test cases or validation criteria, the RTM helps stakeholders confirm that each requirement is accounted for throughout the project development lifecycle. This traceability is vital for assessing whether the final product meets the intended needs and quality standards. Furthermore, it aids in managing changes to requirements, as any adjustments can be easily tracked through their respective test cases.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the primary function of an RTM. A summary of all test cases performed focuses specifically on test execution rather than the linkage to requirements. A timeline of development milestones deals with scheduling rather than requirement tracking. A project budget outlining development costs pertains to financial management rather than validating or verifying requirements. This distinction makes it clear that the RTM is fundamentally about maintaining a direct relationship between requirements and the validation processes.