A conflict occurs when stakeholders hold incompatible requirements, goals, interests, values, or assumptions.
For example, one stakeholder may demand stronger security. Meanwhile, another stakeholder may demand faster access. Both needs may be valid. However, the system may not satisfy them fully at the same time.
Requirements conflicts may concern functionality, priorities, data, costs, risks, or quality goals. In addition, unclear terms and hidden assumptions can create apparent contradictions.
Teams identify such problems through interviews, reviews, workshops, and document analysis. First, they clarify the different positions. Next, they identify the cause and assess the impact. Then, they compare possible solutions.
Common resolution methods include clarification, negotiation, prioritization, trade-off analysis, and additional research. Moreover, teams should document the final decision and its rationale.
Early conflict resolution improves requirement quality, stakeholder agreement, and project stability. In contrast, unresolved disagreements can cause repeated changes, delays, and incorrect solutions.
« Back to Glossary Index