CAPM Practice: Demonstrate an understanding of the various project life cycles and processes

Predictive (plan-driven) approaches define and baseline the project scope, schedule, and cost in detail at the beginning of the project. Adaptive (change-driven or agile) approaches expect that requirements will evolve, so scope is progressively elaborated through iterative cycles with frequent stakeholder feedback. This is the fundamental difference in how the two approaches handle scope and requirements.

**Why not A:** Both predictive and adaptive approaches require stakeholder engagement. Predictive approaches engage stakeholders during requirements gathering, reviews, and approvals. The difference is in how scope is defined, not in whether stakeholders are involved.

**Why not B:** This is an extreme and inaccurate characterization. Predictive approaches do accommodate changes through formal change control processes, and adaptive approaches maintain some stability through iteration goals and prioritized backlogs. Neither is absolute in its approach to change.

**Why not D:** Speed is not inherently tied to the approach type. Predictive approaches are not always faster, and adaptive approaches are not always slower. The delivery speed depends on project characteristics, team capability, and many other factors unrelated to the methodology itself.