What is the necessary step before stakeholders approve and sign off on the requirements?

Before stakeholders can approve and sign off on the requirements, it is crucial to ensure that they fully understand those requirements. Understanding is necessary because it enables stakeholders to make informed decisions about their acceptance. If the stakeholders do not grasp the implications, scope, or details of the requirements, they may agree to something they do not truly support, which can lead to problems later in the project lifecycle, including scope creep, project delays, or dissatisfaction with the final product.

Ensuring that stakeholders comprehend the requirements involves clarifying any ambiguities, providing context, and discussing how the requirements align with business needs and objectives. This step fosters stakeholder engagement and confidence, which are essential for their commitment to move forward with the project.

While other choices might address aspects of stakeholder involvement or project management, they do not prioritize the critical foundation of understanding. For instance, just having stakeholders sign off without comprehension does not guarantee their commitment or the project's success. Therefore, achieving a clear understanding of requirements by stakeholders is the vital prerequisite for approval and sign-off.