What is meant by a 'requirement' in a business analysis context?

In a business analysis context, a 'requirement' is defined as a condition or capability that must be met or possessed to fulfill a stakeholder's need or to solve a specific problem. This perspective emphasizes the importance of understanding what the stakeholders want and the outcomes that need to be achieved to ensure that the final solution aligns with their objectives.

Requirements capture the essence of what is necessary for the successful delivery of a project and can take various forms, including functional and non-functional requirements. They serve as a foundation for project scope, guiding the development team on what needs to be built or achieved. By framing it as a condition that must be met, it highlights the necessity of fulfilling these requirements for stakeholder satisfaction.

This understanding positions requirements as integral components of project planning and execution, ensuring that all participants are clear on what is expected and how those expectations translate into actionable tasks and deliverables.