According to the PMBOK® Guide, the choice of a project life cycle depends on the clarity of the scope and how changes are managed.
Predictive Life Cycle (Waterfall): In this approach, the project scope, time, and cost are determined in the early phases of the life cycle. The project manager develops a comprehensive Project Management Plan that is reviewed and formally approved by the stakeholders and the sponsor before significant work begins.
The Baseline: Once approved, this plan becomes the " Baseline. " Any changes to this plan typically require a formal Change Request and approval through the Integrated Change Control process. The primary goal is to manage the project according to this pre-defined roadmap.
Suitability: This life cycle is most effective when the requirements are well-understood, the product is well-defined, and the project environment is stable.
Analysis of other options:
Adaptive (Option B): Also known as Agile, this life cycle is change-driven. While there is a high-level vision, the detailed plan is developed in small increments (iterations). Stakeholders provide feedback frequently, and the plan is constantly evolving rather than being " approved " in its entirety at the start.
Iterative (Option C): This approach develops the product through repeated cycles (iterations) to progressively add functionality. It focuses on getting the " vision " right through feedback, meaning the final plan isn ' t fully set or approved upfront.
Incremental (Option D): In an incremental life cycle, the deliverable is produced through a series of iterations that successively add functionality within a predetermined time frame. The complete plan is often not fully detailed or approved at the beginning, as each increment may change based on previous results.
Per PMI standards, the Predictive life cycle is the only one characterized by a heavy emphasis on up-front planning and formal stakeholder approval of the comprehensive project plan before execution begins.
