Learn when requirements are defined in iterative, agile, and predictive project life cycles. Understand the key differences to prepare for the PMI CAPM exam.
Table of Contents
Question
Match the life cycle type to when its requirements are defined.
Life cycle type:
- Iterative/Incremental
- Agile
- Predictive
Requirements definition:
- At periodic intervals during delivery
- Frequently during delivery
- Before development begins
Answer
- Iterative/Incremental: At periodic intervals during delivery
- Agile: Frequently during delivery
- Predictive: Before development begins
Explanation
The correct matches between the project life cycle types and when their requirements are defined are:
Iterative/Incremental – At periodic intervals during delivery
In an iterative or incremental life cycle, the overall requirements are defined at a high level upfront. However, detailed requirements are progressively elaborated and refined at periodic intervals as the project progresses through multiple development iterations or increments. Each iteration delivers a subset of the total requirements.
Agile – Frequently during delivery
In an agile life cycle, requirements are captured as user stories in the product backlog. The product owner continuously grooms and prioritizes the backlog based on customer feedback and changing business needs. Detailed requirements are elicited and refined frequently, often during each short development iteration (e.g. a 2-4 week sprint). Requirements evolve dynamically throughout the project.
Predictive – Before development begins
A predictive (or fully plan-driven) life cycle aims to determine all the detailed requirements upfront before starting development. Significant time is spent on requirements gathering and documentation during the planning phase. The goal is to have a complete, stable, and signed-off set of requirements before development kicks off. Requirements are baselined and tightly controlled via a formal change management process.
In summary, iterative life cycles progressively elaborate requirements at planned intervals, agile frequently refines them each iteration based on feedback, while predictive aims to lock down detailed requirements before development starts. The key is understanding when the bulk of the requirements elicitation effort occurs in each life cycle type.
PMI CAPM certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the PMI CAPM exam and earn PMI CAPM certification.