Value-ranking criteria are a set of factors or measures that are used to evaluate and prioritize the value of backlog items. Value-ranking criteria can include business objectives, benefits, costs, risks, dependencies, urgency, etc. The stakeholders follow the value-ranking criteria to determine the value of backlog items based on their alignment with the project vision and goals. The stakeholders can also use techniques such as MoSCoW analysis or weighted ranking matrix to apply the value-ranking criteria. References: = PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)® Examination Content Outline (2019), page 11; Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide (2015), page 66.

Competitive analysis is a technique to compare the strengths and weaknesses of similar products or services offered by competitors in the same market. Competitive analysis can help to identify opportunities, threats, and gaps in the market, and to develop strategies to increase sales and customer satisfaction. Competitive analysis can be used to identify solutions for the startup company that sells organic vegetable and fruit smoothies by comparing their best-selling juice with similar products offered by competitors. The other techniques are not suitable for this purpose. Benchmarking is a technique to compare the performance of a product, service, or process with a standard or best practice. Trend analysis is a technique to analyze historical data or patterns to forecast future outcomes or behaviors. Focus group is a technique to elicit opinions, preferences, or feedback from a representative group of customers or users. References: PMI-PBA® Examination Content Outline, page 11; PMI-PBA® Reference List, page 1, BABOK® Guide v3, page 51.

 The technical staff and testing team from Company A are responsible for writing and coding the requirements and testing the new functionality. Responsible means that the person or group is assigned to perform the work or activity. The responsible role is often indicated by the letter R in a RACI matrix, which is a tool for identifying roles and responsibilities of stakeholders. References: PMI Guide to Business Analysis, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.2.3; PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)® Examination Content Outline, Domain II: Planning, Task 2.