Which type of project life cycle uses an iteration plan?

According to the PMBOK® Guide and the Agile Practice Guide, an iteration plan is a core component of adaptive (Agile) life cycles.

Agile Life Cycle: In this approach, the project is broken down into small, fixed-time blocks called iterations or sprints. An iteration plan is developed at the beginning of each iteration to determine which high-priority items from the product backlog will be completed during that specific time frame. This allows for rapid feedback and the ability to pivot based on stakeholder needs.

Predictive (Waterfall) Life Cycle: These cycles rely on a comprehensive, up-front Project Management Plan. The scope, time, and cost are determined early in the project life cycle, and any changes are managed through a formal change control process rather than through iteration planning.

Product Life Cycle: This refers to the series of phases that represent the evolution of a product, from concept through delivery, growth, maturity, and retirement. It is a broader concept than a project life cycle and does not use iteration plans as a primary management tool.

In the context of PMI standards, Adaptive/Agile environments emphasize " just-in-time " planning. Because the scope is decomposed into a set of requirements and work to be performed (the backlog), the team uses Iteration Planning to commit to a subset of that work, ensuring continuous delivery of value.