PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Practice Exam

What does Progressive Elaboration entail in project management?

1. Detailed upfront planning for the entire project

2. Iterative planning that occurs in cycles

3. Documenting every process change in the project

4. Finalizing all project details before initiation

The correct answer is: Iterative planning that occurs in cycles

Progressive Elaboration is a concept in project management that emphasizes iterative planning and development. It involves gradually refining project details as more information becomes available and as the project progresses. This approach allows teams to adapt to changes and emerging insights throughout the project lifecycle. By engaging in iterative planning that occurs in cycles, teams can continuously revisit and update their plans based on feedback, lessons learned, and evolving project requirements. This is particularly relevant in agile methodologies, where flexibility and responsiveness to change are key principles. Instead of locking in all project details at the beginning, Progressive Elaboration supports ongoing discovery and learning, enabling better alignment with stakeholder needs and more effective risk management. The other options suggest an approach that is contrary to the principles of Progressive Elaboration. For instance, detailing all project aspects upfront or finalizing designs before initiation does not accommodate the changes and adaptations that are often necessary in complex projects. Similarly, solely documenting process changes does not capture the essence of continuously refining plans based on iterative cycles of feedback and discovery.