PMP Practice Questions #168
As a project manager, you need to select the best project approach for developing a new product. The project is characterized by well-defined requirements and a clear sequence of tasks, but you have a small team with limited experience in handling rigid processes. Stakeholders prefer regular updates and flexibility to incorporate feedback. Which project approach should you choose?
A) Predictive approach
B) Waterfall approach
C) Adaptive approach
D) Hybrid approach
Analysis
In selecting the best project approach for developing a new product with well-defined requirements and a clear sequence of tasks, but also considering a small team with limited experience in rigid processes and stakeholders preferring regular updates and flexibility, it’s essential to balance structured planning with the need for adaptability and stakeholder engagement. The scenario presents mixed indicators that suggest neither a fully predictive nor a fully adaptive approach is ideal. Instead, a hybrid approach that combines elements of both might be the best fit.
Analysis of Options:
Option A: Predictive approach: The predictive approach works well for projects with well-defined requirements and a clear sequence of tasks. However, this approach relies on rigid processes and less flexibility, which might be challenging for a small team with limited experience in such methodologies. Additionally, it does not accommodate the stakeholders’ preference for regular updates and the ability to incorporate feedback. So, it is not suitable due to the team’s limited experience with rigid processes and the need for stakeholder flexibility.
Option B: Waterfall approach: The Waterfall approach is a type of predictive methodology characterized by its linear and sequential nature. Like the general predictive approach, it is best for projects with stable and well-defined requirements. However, it suffers from the same limitations regarding flexibility and frequent stakeholder updates. It also requires a disciplined adherence to sequential steps, which may be difficult for a small, inexperienced team. Hence, it is not appropriate as it lacks flexibility and does not support frequent stakeholder feedback.
Option C: Adaptive approach: The adaptive approach (or Agile methodologies) is highly flexible and supports frequent updates and stakeholder feedback. While this would align well with stakeholder preferences, the project’s well-defined requirements and clear task sequence suggest that a fully adaptive approach might not be necessary. The team’s limited experience with rigid processes also implies that some structure might still be beneficial.
Option D: Hybrid approach: The hybrid approach combines elements of both predictive and adaptive methodologies, allowing for a structured plan where necessary and flexibility where beneficial. This approach can accommodate well-defined requirements and clear sequences of tasks while still providing the adaptability to incorporate regular updates and stakeholder feedback. It addresses the team’s limited experience with rigid processes by not adhering strictly to them and offers the flexibility preferred by stakeholders.
Conclusion: Option D, “Hybrid approach,” is the most suitable choice for this project. It effectively balances the well-defined requirements and clear task sequences with the need for flexibility and regular updates preferred by stakeholders. This approach takes into consideration the small team’s limited experience with rigid processes, offering a balanced methodology that maximizes the chances of project success by combining the strengths of both predictive and adaptive approaches.
PMP Exam Content Outline Mapping
Topics Covered
- Stacey Matrix
- Agile Suitability Filter
