Predictive Development Approach

Definition

A predictive approach (also called waterfall, plan-driven, or traditional) is used when project scope can be defined early and is expected to remain relatively stable. Scope, schedule, cost, and quality requirements are defined upfront. Phases are sequential with formal phase gates between them. Best suited for large projects with significant investment, regulatory requirements, or low requirements uncertainty.

Related concepts

• Integrated Baseline
• Adaptive Development Approach
• Hybrid Development Approach
• Planning
• Tailoring

Exam angle

• Not suitable for high uncertainty: if requirements are unclear or expected to change frequently, predictive is the wrong choice — adaptive or hybrid is more appropriate
• Scope change = change control: in predictive, any change to scope, schedule, or cost baseline requires a formal change request through the CCB
• Inverted triangle distinction: predictive fixes scope; schedule and budget absorb changes — opposite of adaptive

My notes