CAPMEasy

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

Question 60 of 85 in Explain when it is appropriate to use a predictive, plan-based approach

Pick an answer below — you'll get the explanation instantly, no signup.

A project manager selects a predictive approach because the project involves replicating a process that has been performed successfully 20 times before. This decision is primarily based on:

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: Historical precedent and low uncertainty reducing the need for iterative discovery

Explanation

When a project replicates a well-understood, previously successful process, uncertainty is minimal and requirements are known from experience. This historical precedent makes comprehensive upfront planning feasible and effective — the hallmarks of predictive methodology.

**Why not A:** Project budget size does not determine methodology suitability. Both predictive and adaptive approaches can manage large and small budgets. Methodology selection is driven by requirements stability, uncertainty levels, and project characteristics, not budget magnitude.

**Why not B:** Team preference for structured processes may be a contributing factor but is not the primary driver for methodology selection. The decision is based on project characteristics — specifically the low uncertainty and known requirements from historical precedent.

**Why not C:** Sponsor familiarity with waterfall documentation is a stakeholder consideration but not the primary basis for the decision. Methodology selection should be driven by project fit, not individual stakeholder preferences for documentation formats.

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).

All 1,500+ CAPM questions are free