PMI-ACP Practice Questions #41
Your organization is transitioning from a traditional project management approach to Agile. As part of the transition, you are asked to explain the key differences between a traditional project manager and an Agile project manager when it comes to planning. Which of the following statements best highlights this difference?
A. A traditional project manager creates a detailed upfront plan, while an Agile project manager creates a detailed iterative plan for the entire project.
B. Both traditional and Agile project managers rely on detailed planning; the traditional project manager does it upfront, while the Agile project manager adjusts plans iteratively.
C. Both traditional and Agile project managers ensure the plan, once prepared, is strictly followed, actively tracking status and variances.
D. A traditional project manager develops a comprehensive upfront plan as a contract of work, while an Agile project manager facilitates planning in short, iterative cycles focused on delivering value incrementally.
Analysis
The question examines the key differences between a traditional project manager and an Agile project manager in terms of planning. Traditional project management follows a predictive approach, where a detailed upfront plan is created and adhered to as much as possible. Agile project management, on the other hand, embraces adaptive planning, focusing on short iterative cycles and responding to change. The correct answer should highlight facilitation over control, iterative adjustments over rigid adherence, and incremental delivery over contract-driven planning.
Analysis of Options
A: A traditional project manager creates a detailed upfront plan, while an Agile project manager creates a detailed iterative plan for the entire project.
This option partially captures the difference but incorrectly states that an Agile project manager creates a detailed iterative plan for the entire project. Agile focuses on progressive elaboration, meaning details emerge over time rather than being fully planned upfront. Also, Agile project managers facilitate planning rather than solely creating it themselves.
B: Both traditional and Agile project managers rely on detailed planning; the traditional project manager does it upfront, while the Agile project manager adjusts plans iteratively.
This option correctly differentiates the planning approaches. However, it still implies that Agile project managers actively do the planning rather than facilitating it. The phrase “rely on detailed planning” could be misleading since Agile emphasizes flexibility and adaptability rather than relying on a fixed plan.
C: Both traditional and Agile project managers ensure the plan, once prepared, is strictly followed, actively tracking status and variances.
This option is incorrect because Agile does not focus on strictly following a plan. Agile teams track progress, but the emphasis is on learning and adapting rather than ensuring adherence to an initial plan. Traditional project managers, however, do focus on tracking status and variances to maintain alignment with the baseline plan.
D: A traditional project manager develops a comprehensive upfront plan as a contract of work, while an Agile project manager facilitates planning in short, iterative cycles focused on delivering value incrementally.
This is the best answer as it correctly contrasts the traditional approach with Agile principles. A traditional project manager treats planning as a contract, ensuring deliverables align with initial agreements. In contrast, an Agile project manager acts as a facilitator, guiding teams through short iterative planning cycles that prioritize incremental value delivery and adaptability.
Conclusion
The correct answer is Option D as it accurately describes the predictive nature of traditional project management and contrasts it with Agile’s adaptive, iterative, and value-driven approach to planning.
PMI – ACP Exam Content Outline Mapping
| Domain | Task |
| Mindset | Embrace Agile Mindset |
Topics Covered:
- Predictive vs. Adaptive Planning: Traditional project managers rely on upfront planning, whereas Agile project managers facilitate iterative planning.
- Role of the Project Manager: Traditional project managers focus on control, while Agile project managers enable team collaboration and flexibility.
- Incremental Value Delivery: Agile planning focuses on delivering value in short cycles rather than adhering to a fixed contract.
- Progressive Elaboration: Agile plans evolve based on feedback and learning, rather than being predetermined in full detail.
- Facilitation over Command: Agile project managers act as facilitators rather than enforcers of a rigid plan.
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