---
title: "Traceability matrix"
subject: "ICT Project Management"
chapter: 11
key: "semester_7/ict_project_management:traceability-matrix"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/ict_project_management/traceability-matrix
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Traceability matrix

ICT Project Management · Chapter 11: Project Communication Management

- Asked in: year not given
- Video: [What is a Requirements Traceability Matrix? And How to Create Your Own.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rG908JVL1A) — Online PM Courses - Mike Clayton
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/ict_project_management/traceability-matrix
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/ict_project_management/chapter-11

## Question

What do you mean by traceability matrix?

## Short answer

A requirements traceability matrix links each requirement to its origin, design, development and test cases, ensuring all are implemented and tested. It helps manage scope changes by showing impact on affected components.

## Answer

A **requirements traceability matrix (RTM)** is a table that links requirements to their origin and traces them through the project life cycle, from business need to design, development, testing and delivery. It ensures that each requirement is delivered and tested, and helps manage changes. It is an output of the **Collect Requirements** process in PMBOK.

#### Contents (typical columns)
| Req ID | Description | Source/stakeholder | Business objective | WBS deliverable | Design component | Test case | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-01 | User login | Admin | Secure access | 3.1 Login module | Auth service | TC-01, TC-02 | Tested |
| R-02 | Generate monthly report | Manager | Decision support | 3.4 Reports | Report engine | TC-10 | In design |
| R-03 | SMS notification | Customer | Better service | 3.6 Notification | SMS gateway | TC-15 | Deferred |

Other attributes: priority, owner, version, acceptance criteria, and change request link.

#### Types of traceability
- **Forward**: from requirements to design, code and tests (are all requirements implemented and tested?).
- **Backward**: from deliverables back to requirements (is anything built that was not required? avoids gold plating).
- **Bidirectional**: both.

```text
Business need -> Requirement -> Design
     -> Code -> Test case -> Acceptance
```

#### Uses and importance
1. Ensures all requirements are implemented and nothing is omitted.
2. Gives evidence for scope validation and customer acceptance.
3. Supports **scope control**: shows impact of a change request on design, code and tests.
4. Helps in estimating the effort of changes.
5. Supports testing coverage analysis.
6. Provides accountability and communication between business and technical staff.
7. Useful for audits and compliance.

#### Maintenance
Update when requirements change, with version control, and review at phase ends.

**Example:** When a client requests changing report format (R-02), the RTM shows affected design, code module and test cases, so the manager can estimate the effort accurately.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What does a requirements traceability matrix link?
   A. Costs to schedules
   B. Requirements to origin, design, development, testing and delivery
   C. Risks to owners
   D. Stakeholders to meetings
   Answer: B. It traces each requirement through the life cycle. (Key point: Definition)

2. What does backward traceability check?
   A. Whether all requirements are tested
   B. Whether the schedule is on time
   C. Whether anything was built that was not required
   D. Whether the budget is met
   Answer: C. Backward traces deliverables to requirements, avoiding gold plating. (Key point: Backward traceability)

3. How does the RTM support scope control?
   A. Eliminates change requests
   B. Replaces the WBS
   C. Sets the project budget
   D. Shows the impact of a change request on design, code and tests
   Answer: D. It reveals affected items so effort can be estimated. (Key point: Scope control)

## Related in ICT Project Management

- [Project planning matrix (PPM)](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fict_project_management%3Aproject-planning-matrix) — ICT Project Management, chapter 7
- [Responsibility assignment matrix and RACI](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fict_project_management%3Aresponsibility-assignment-matrix) — ICT Project Management, chapter 7

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