What does a requirement represent in the context of business analysis?

A requirement in business analysis serves as a usable representation of a need, which is critical for ensuring that stakeholders' expectations are effectively met. This representation encapsulates what the stakeholders require from a solution, whether it's a product, service, or system. By defining a requirement in this way, it provides clarity and focuses on the actual needs that must be addressed, which aids in ensuring that the final output aligns with those needs.

In contrast, guidelines for project timelines focus on project management aspects and do not directly relate to the specifics of requirements. Similarly, a design for user interfaces deals with the implementation of solutions rather than capturing the initial needs. Lastly, a budget estimate for resources is a financial consideration rather than a representation of the actual needs, making it unrelated to the definition of a requirement in the business analysis context.