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What is meant by the term 'technical debt'?

  1. The cost of straightforward solutions

  2. The rework backlog from temporary fixes

  3. The investment in cutting-edge technology

  4. The profit from improved project outputs

The correct answer is: The rework backlog from temporary fixes

The term 'technical debt' refers to the concept of incurring a cost or backlog that arises from opting for quick, temporary solutions rather than more comprehensive and effective long-term fixes. When teams take shortcuts in development or apply temporary fixes to problems, they may create additional work that will need to be addressed later. This accumulated rework or backlog becomes what is known as technical debt, which can hinder future progress and efficiency. Choosing a quick fix may lead to increased complexity, making future changes more difficult or costly. Therefore, managing technical debt is crucial for maintaining system integrity and ensuring sustainable development practices. This understanding highlights the importance of balancing immediate demands with long-term objectives in IT service management and project planning.