PMI CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) Examination Content OutlineProject Management Fundamentals and Core ConceptsMedium
A project manager is working on a construction project for a new office building. The project involves various sequential phases, including foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, and finishing. Changes to one phase directly impact subsequent phases, and rework is costly and time-consuming. Which project life cycle is best suited for this project?
- AAdaptive (Agile)
- BPredictive (Waterfall)
- CHybrid
- DIterative
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Predictive (Waterfall)
Construction projects are typically best managed with a Predictive (Waterfall) life cycle. The sequential nature of phases, the high cost of rework, and the clear definition of the final product from the outset make a plan-driven approach most suitable, where detailed planning occurs upfront and execution follows.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Adaptive life cycles are for high uncertainty and frequent changes, which is generally not the case for traditional construction.
- C. While some construction might use hybrid elements, the core nature described strongly favors a purely predictive approach.
- D. Iterative life cycles involve repeated cycles and evolving requirements, which is unsuitable for the sequential, fixed-scope nature of construction.
Predictive Life Cycle Suitability
The Predictive (Waterfall) life cycle is best suited for projects where requirements are stable, the final product is well-understood, and the cost of change is high.
- Common in construction, manufacturing, and highly regulated industries.
- Emphasizes upfront planning and sequential phases.
- Minimizes changes during execution due to high cost of rework.
Memory trick: Construction is 'C'arefully 'C'hronological, like a 'C'ardinal rule.