A critical parameter / requirements management process model for managing a development program for a product and an associated product structure-driven critical parameter / requirements management tool and environment is provided. In one embodiment, the process includes a product structure classification scheme, a parameter / requirements classification scheme, a parameter / requirements process and maturity model, and in-process and requirements conformance views. In one embodiment, the tool includes a user interface layer, a business layer, a data layer, and a database. The user interface layer may include a product structure feature group, an add / edit / link feature group, a manage maturity feature group, and a manage conformance feature group. The tool may be implemented as a web server accessible to user workstations operating as thin clients. The tool may be integrated with one or more other product development tools, such as a document-driven requirements management, configuration management, manufacturing / production control system, problem management, and phased product delivery process tools.