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

Question 14 of 85 in Explain when it is appropriate to use a predictive, plan-based approach

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A project manager must select an approach for a software integration project. The integration connects two legacy systems using well-documented APIs, has fixed contractual deliverables with a government agency, and must be completed within a non-negotiable regulatory deadline. The team is experienced with both systems. What approach is MOST appropriate and why?
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Correct answer: Predictive, because defined APIs, contractual obligations, regulatory deadline, and experienced team make the project suitable for comprehensive upfront planning

Explanation

All indicators point to predictive: well-documented APIs mean stable technical requirements; fixed government contract means formal deliverables and likely formal acceptance; regulatory deadline means fixed timeline; experienced team means low technical uncertainty. There is little to discover iteratively — the right approach is to plan comprehensively and execute systematically.

**Why not A:** Claiming software is inherently unpredictable ignores the specific context. This integration project uses well-documented APIs connecting known legacy systems with an experienced team. The technical uncertainty is low, making a hybrid approach unnecessary.

**Why not B:** Stating that software integration always benefits from iterative delivery is an overgeneralization. When APIs are documented, the team is experienced, and deliverables are contractually fixed, iterative discovery adds no value. The work is well-understood and suited to sequential execution.

**Why not C:** Characterizing the government agency as a demanding product owner requiring frequent demonstrations imposes an agile framework on a situation that does not call for it. Government contracts with fixed deliverables and acceptance criteria are structured for predictive delivery, not sprint demonstrations.

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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