PMI CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) Examination Content OutlineProject Management Fundamentals and Core ConceptsMedium
A project team is developing a new software application for a client. The client has a clear vision of the final product and its features, and there are strict regulatory compliance requirements that necessitate detailed upfront planning and minimal changes during execution. Which project life cycle approach would be most appropriate for this project?
- AIterative Life Cycle
- BHybrid Life Cycle
- CPredictive Life Cycle
- DAdaptive Life Cycle
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Predictive Life Cycle
A Predictive Life Cycle, also known as Waterfall, is best suited when the product, scope, and requirements are well-defined at the project's outset, and changes are expected to be minimal. The need for detailed upfront planning and strict regulatory compliance strongly indicates a predictive approach.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Iterative life cycles involve repeated cycles of planning and development, suitable for evolving requirements, which contradicts the scenario.
- B. Hybrid life cycles combine predictive and adaptive elements, but the scenario emphasizes strict upfront definition over flexibility.
- D. Adaptive (agile) life cycles are for high uncertainty and frequent changes, which is not the case here.
Predictive Life Cycle
A project life cycle where the project scope, time, and cost are determined early in the project life cycle.
- Also known as Waterfall.
- Suitable for stable requirements and clear deliverables.
- Emphasizes detailed upfront planning.
Memory trick: Predictive for 'P'lanned, 'P'redictable, 'P'recise projects.