In what situation might a requirement number change?

A requirement number may change for various reasons throughout the lifecycle of a project. For instance, requirements could be updated due to evolving project needs, stakeholder feedback, or to reflect a change in project objectives. When updates occur, the associated number may need to change for clarity and tracking purposes, ensuring that all team members are aligned on the latest version of that requirement.

In situations where a requirement is retracted, that may further necessitate a change in the numbering system to avoid confusion and maintain consistency across documentation. Additionally, while it might be ideal for requirement numbers to remain static for the sake of traceability, the dynamic nature of project management often demands flexibility in that regard.

In contrast, stating that requirement numbers should never change overlooks the reality of project evolution, where adjustments and updates are a normal part of the process to ensure that all requirements are relevant and accurate to the current project scope. Hence, understanding the fluidity in requirement management is essential for any project team member.