PMI-ACP Practice Questions #36
Your team is working on a project where requirements are well-defined, but the technological realization is uncertain due to new and untested tools. Using the Stacey Matrix, how would this project likely be categorized, and what approach might be most appropriate?
A. Simple
B. Complicated
C. Complex
D. Chaotic
Analysis
The question is based on the Stacey Matrix, which helps determine the complexity of a project based on the certainty of requirements and technology. In this scenario, requirements are well-defined, but the technological realization is uncertain due to new and untested tools.
The Stacey Matrix categorizes projects into four domains: Simple, Complicated, Complex, and Chaotic. Since this project has stable requirements but high uncertainty in technology, it falls into the Complex category. In complex projects, experimentation, iterative learning, and adaptive approaches like Agile are the most suitable.
Analysis of Options
Option A: Simple
A simple project has both well-defined requirements and well-understood technology. Since this scenario involves uncertainty in technology, it does not fit in the simple category. Simple projects are best suited for a predictive approach where predefined plans work effectively, which is not the case here.
Option B: Complicated
Complicated projects require expert analysis and structured planning but do not demand much experimentation. While expertise may help address some challenges, the fact that the technology is untested means that structured planning alone will not suffice. This scenario is beyond complicated and instead falls into complex, where an adaptive approach is necessary.
Option C: Complex
A complex project has uncertainties that cannot be resolved solely through upfront analysis and expert judgment. Instead, iterative exploration and learning are needed. Since the scenario involves uncertainty in technology, experimentation and feedback loops will be essential. This matches the Complex domain in the Stacey Matrix, where Agile methodologies like Scrum or Kanban are most effective.
Option D: Chaotic
A chaotic project is highly unpredictable, requiring urgent crisis management and rapid response actions rather than structured approaches. The scenario does not describe chaos but uncertainty in technology, which can be managed through iterative exploration. Therefore, the project does not fall into this category.
Conclusion
The correct answer is Option C: Complex because the project has well-defined requirements but uncertain technology, making an Agile approach necessary for iterative learning and adaptation.
PMI – ACP Exam Content Outline Mapping
| Domain | Task |
| Mindset | Embrace Agile Mindset |
Topics Covered:
- Stacey Matrix categorization for determining project complexity.
- Complex project characteristics (clear requirements but technological uncertainty).
- Importance of iterative exploration and experimentation in complex environments.
- Why predictive planning is not suitable for uncertain technology.
- Adaptive Agile approaches (e.g., Scrum, Kanban) for managing technological uncertainty.
- Difference between complex and chaotic projects in terms of predictability and control.
- Application of Agile methodologies to address complexity and uncertainty effectively.
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