According to the Capability in Business Analysis™ (CCBA®) Learning documents, an assumption is a factor that is considered to be true, real, or certain without proof or evidence. Assumptions are made to simplify complex situations, to fill in the gaps of missing information, or to reduce uncertainty and risk. Assumptions can affect the business analysis approach, the requirements, the solution, and the project outcomes. Therefore, assumptions should be identified, documented, validated, and managed throughout the business analysis process12.
The other options are not correct because:
Option A is incorrect. These are the things that may restrict the options for the endeavor are not assumptions, but constraints. A constraint is a factor that limits the possible solutions or imposes specific conditions on the solution. Constraints can be internal or external, and can affect the scope, quality, cost, or schedule of the solution. Constraints are usually known and verifiable, unlike assumptions3.
Option B is incorrect. The weather will always be hot in the summer and cool in the winter is not an assumption, but a generalization. A generalization is a statement that applies a rule or a principle to a broad category or a group of instances, without considering the exceptions or the variations. Generalizations can be useful for simplifying complex phenomena, but they can also be misleading or inaccurate if they are not supported by evidence or logic4.
Option C is incorrect. The project must be completed by December 18 is not an assumption, but a deadline. A deadline is a specific date or time by which a task, project, or deliverable must be finished or submitted. Deadlines can be determined by various factors, such as customer requirements, contractual obligations, or regulatory compliance. Deadlines can influence the project schedule, scope, and cost, but they are not assumptions in themselves. Deadlines can be changed or negotiated depending on the project circumstances and stakeholder agreement5.
References:
Assumptions in Analysis - Business Analyst Articles, Webinars …, section “Assumptions in Analysis”
Business Analysis Expert Certification, CCBA® | IIBA®, section “BABOK® Guide v3”, chapter 6, section 6.1.4.2
Assumption vs. Constraint: Definitions, Types and Differences, section “What are assumptions and constraints?”
Generalization, section “Description of Change”
What is a Deadline? - Definition from Techopedia, first paragraph
