Which factor is most likely to cause cost increases and schedule slips?

Which factor is most likely to cause cost increases and schedule slips?

• A. Changes in user capability needs
• B. Regulatory compliance
• C. Stable requirements
• D. Shortening development time

Answer: (A)

When what users need from the system changes, the project scope tends to expand. New or altered capabilities require adding or modifying features, redesigning components, updating tests, and sometimes retraining users, which adds labor and extends the schedule. This extra work also drives higher costs because more resources, time, and potential rework are involved. While regulatory requirements can add cost and delay, they are usually defined and managed once identified, and stable requirements remove the big source of surprise. Shortening development time can pressure quality and cause issues, but it’s the evolving user needs that most consistently push both budget and timeline upward.

When what users need from the system changes, the project scope tends to expand. New or altered capabilities require adding or modifying features, redesigning components, updating tests, and sometimes retraining users, which adds labor and extends the schedule. This extra work also drives higher costs because more resources, time, and potential rework are involved. While regulatory requirements can add cost and delay, they are usually defined and managed once identified, and stable requirements remove the big source of surprise. Shortening development time can pressure quality and cause issues, but it’s the evolving user needs that most consistently push both budget and timeline upward.