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CAPM Practice: Explain when it is appropriate to use a predictive, plan-based approach

Question 74 of 85 in Explain when it is appropriate to use a predictive, plan-based approach

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An organization has used a predictive methodology successfully for years. A new project manager, trained in agile, joins and argues that the organization should switch to Scrum for all projects because it is 'more modern.' How should the organization respond?

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Correct answer: Evaluate each project on its characteristics; predictive should be used for projects where requirements are stable and well-defined, and adaptive for projects with high uncertainty

Explanation

Methodology selection should be based on project characteristics, not organizational tradition or personal preference. Projects with stable requirements benefit from predictive; projects with high uncertainty benefit from adaptive. A thoughtful response evaluates the portfolio: some projects may genuinely benefit from agile approaches, while others (infrastructure, regulatory compliance, established processes) are better served by predictive methods.

**Why not A:** Rejecting the proposal outright based on tradition alone is not a sound management response. While the organization has successful processes, it should evaluate whether some projects might benefit from different approaches rather than dismissing new ideas categorically.

**Why not C:** Letting each project manager choose methodology based on personal preference lacks organizational governance. Methodology selection should be driven by project characteristics, organizational requirements, and stakeholder needs — not individual preference. This approach could lead to inconsistent practices and suboptimal choices.

**Why not D:** Switching all projects to Scrum immediately based on one person's advocacy is reckless. Many of the organization's projects may have characteristics (stable requirements, regulatory compliance, fixed contracts) that are well-served by predictive approaches. A wholesale switch without evaluation would likely harm project outcomes.

Key Concept

This question covers Explain when it is appropriate to use a predictive, plan-based approach under Explain when it is appropriate to use a predictive, plan-based approach (Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies).

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