In what situation should the requirements document be updated?

The requirements document should be updated whenever there is a change in requirements because it serves as a living document that reflects the current understanding and needs of the project. As projects evolve, new information can emerge, stakeholders can change their minds about what they want, or unforeseen constraints can arise. By updating the requirements document in response to these changes, the project team ensures that everyone has access to the most current information, which is essential for effective communication and decision-making.

Keeping the requirements document up to date helps prevent misunderstandings and misalignment among team members and stakeholders, ultimately leading to a more successful project outcome. This practice is aligned with agile methodologies and best practices in requirements management, where responsiveness to change is crucial.

In contrast, updating only upon project completion would mean that the document is essentially static until the very end, which does not support an adaptive approach. Similarly, waiting for a project manager's request or assuming that updating is not necessary ignores the dynamic nature of requirements and the importance of maintaining accurate documentation throughout the lifecycle of the project.