PMI CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) Examination Content OutlineProject Management Fundamentals and Core ConceptsEasy
A project manager is working on a project to develop a new accounting software. The project's requirements are well-defined, and the client has a clear vision of the final product. Which project life cycle approach would be most suitable for this project?
- APredictive Life Cycle
- BIterative Life Cycle
- CHybrid Life Cycle
- DAdaptive Life Cycle
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Predictive Life Cycle
A Predictive Life Cycle is best suited for projects with well-defined requirements and a clear scope from the outset, as described in the scenario. This approach allows for detailed planning upfront.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Iterative life cycles involve repeated cycles of planning and execution, suitable when requirements are understood but evolve over time, offering more flexibility than predictive but less than adaptive.
- C. Hybrid life cycles combine elements of both predictive and adaptive approaches, typically for projects with some stable and some evolving components.
- D. Adaptive life cycles are used when requirements are uncertain or evolve rapidly, which is not the case here.
Predictive Life Cycle
A project life cycle approach where the project scope, time, and cost are determined early in the project life cycle.
- Requirements are well-understood and stable.
- Detailed planning occurs upfront.
- Often called 'waterfall' approach.
Memory trick: Clear roadmap means predictive path.