RECTV: Enhancing Agile Decision-Making in Startups Through Value-Driven Requirements Prioritization

Effective requirements prioritization is a success factor for software development. Models of prioritization that are traditionally used like MoSCoW, RICE, AHP and the Kano Model are deficient in responding to what is essential for startups in terms of speed and delivery of value, efficiency in cost, and mitigation of risk. In this paper, we introduce RECTV, a new startup requirements prioritization framework. Essential decision making components including Cost, Risk, Technical Feasibility, Confidence Level (C), and Time to Value (TtV) are integrated as key pieces of the RECTV tool to help startups prioritize based on informed, data based decision making. In contrast to traditional models, RECTV validates the outcomes of the features while delivering business value in a way where startups can adapt to market feedback and uncertainty rapidly. This work positions RECTV as a practical alternative to traditional models, offering startups a structured and responsive approach to prioritize features under real-world constraints. By conducting a comparative analysis with other models, the framework is evaluated and proved to be superior at tackling the startup glitches such as low funds, unspecified features, and the necessity of fast market adjustment. For startups, RECTV helps them to make better use of resources and develop features that avoid unnecessary risks.