In the system development lifecycle, which activity defines user requirements and how the system should function?

• A. Benchmarking
• B. System analysis
• C. Feasibility study
• D. System design

Answer: (B)

Defining user requirements and how the system should function is addressed during the system analysis phase. In this phase, you elicit and document stakeholder needs, examine current workflows, and translate them into detailed functional and nonfunctional requirements that specify what the system must do, how it should handle data, interfaces, and performance. This sets the foundation for design, where the architecture is planned to meet those requirements. Benchmarking looks at performance against standards, a feasibility study assesses viability, and system design focuses on the architecture and construction. Therefore, the activity that defines user requirements and system behavior is system analysis.