PMI CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) Examination Content OutlineProject Management Fundamentals and Core ConceptsMedium
A project manager is leading a team developing a new medical device. Due to stringent regulatory requirements and the need for precision, the team adheres strictly to a detailed plan created upfront. Changes are carefully controlled through a formal process. Which project life cycle approach is being utilized?
- AHybrid
- BAdaptive
- CPredictive
- DIterative
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Predictive
A predictive life cycle (often called waterfall) is characterized by defining the scope, schedule, and cost early in the project. It emphasizes detailed upfront planning and a formal change control process, which is ideal for projects with stable requirements and high regulatory compliance, like medical devices.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A hybrid approach combines elements, but the scenario strongly emphasizes the 'predictive' aspects without mentioning adaptive components.
- B. Adaptive life cycles embrace change and are iterative, not characterized by strict upfront planning and formal change control.
- D. Iterative life cycles involve repeating phases to refine the product, but not necessarily with the strict upfront planning and change control described.
Predictive Life Cycle
A project life cycle approach where the scope, time, and cost are determined early in the project life cycle, and changes are tightly controlled.
- Detailed upfront planning.
- Sequential phases (e.g., waterfall).
- Low tolerance for change.
- Suitable for stable requirements.
Memory trick: Predictive plans everything, Adaptive adapts to anything.