What type of requirement focuses on the system’s operation?

The type of requirement that focuses on the system’s operation is non-functional requirements. Non-functional requirements define the quality attributes, system performance, security, usability, reliability, and other operational characteristics that a system must exhibit. They often set constraints within which the functional requirements must operate, addressing how a system does what it does rather than what it does.

For example, while functional requirements might specify what the system should accomplish (such as processing transactions or generating reports), non-functional requirements will specify how efficiently those tasks should be performed, how many users the system should support simultaneously, or the acceptable response time for user interactions. This distinction is critical, as the effectiveness and satisfaction regarding a system’s operation are often heavily influenced by its non-functional aspects.

In this case, the other types of requirements—functional, business, and stakeholder—serve different purposes. Functional requirements focus on specific behaviors and functions the system must provide, while business requirements address the high-level needs of the organization. Stakeholder requirements outline what various stakeholders expect from the system in terms of functions or capabilities. While all these requirements are essential for successful project delivery, it is non-functional requirements that specifically define the criteria for the system’s operational performance.