PMI-ACP Practice Questions #49
In Adaptive Software Development (ASD), which of the following sequences represents the iterative process that drives value delivery and adaptation?
A. Speculate → Collaborate → Learn
B. Plan → Execute → Monitor
C. Design → Build → Test
D. Define → Develop → Deploy
Analysis
Adaptive Software Development (ASD) is an iterative framework that focuses on continuous learning and adaptation. Unlike traditional planning and execution methods, ASD embraces uncertainty by using Speculate → Collaborate → Learn as its core process. This approach emphasizes that planning is speculative due to the unpredictable nature of software development, collaboration is essential for execution, and learning enables continuous improvement. Understanding these unique terminologies helps distinguish ASD from other iterative frameworks.
Analysis of Options:
A: Speculate → Collaborate → Learn.
This is the correct answer. ASD avoids rigid planning and instead relies on speculation to acknowledge uncertainty. The collaboration phase involves iterative development where teams work together to create value, and the learning phase ensures continuous improvement by reflecting on outcomes and refining the approach. This aligns with ASD’s principles of flexibility, teamwork, and adaptive learning.
B: Plan → Execute → Monitor.
This represents a traditional project management cycle, not ASD. While monitoring is essential in any framework, ASD does not follow a rigid plan-first mindset. Instead, it encourages speculation over fixed planning due to the evolving nature of requirements.
C: Design → Build → Test.
This is more aligned with traditional software development models such as Waterfall or even incremental development. ASD does not follow a fixed sequence of design, build, and test but rather an iterative cycle of speculation, collaboration, and learning to drive adaptation.
D: Define → Develop → Deploy.
This follows a linear approach similar to traditional software development models, lacking the iterative learning feedback loop that is crucial to ASD. ASD does not rigidly define requirements upfront; instead, it evolves based on continuous collaboration and learning.
Conclusion
The correct answer is Option A: Speculate → Collaborate → Learn, as it aligns with ASD’s core principles of embracing uncertainty, fostering collaboration, and continuously adapting based on feedback.
PMI – ACP Exam Content Outline Mapping
| Domain | Task |
| Mindset | Embrace Agile Mindset |
Topics Covered:
- Adaptive Software Development (ASD): An iterative framework that embraces uncertainty and continuous learning.
- Speculate → Collaborate → Learn: The core cycle of ASD, replacing traditional planning with adaptive speculation.
- Emphasizing Flexibility: ASD avoids rigid plans and instead focuses on real-time learning and course correction.
- Iterative and Collaborative Execution: ASD promotes teamwork and feedback-driven development.
- Contrast with Traditional Approaches: Differentiating ASD from linear models like Plan-Execute-Monitor or Design-Build-Test.
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