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DOMAIN 3
PMBOK 7 Performance Domain · Deep Dive

Development Approach & Life Cycle

This domain is about how the work gets done: the development approach (predictive → adaptive), the delivery cadence (when deliverables are released), and the life cycle (the phases the project moves through) — then aligning all three to the product and context. It is where tailoring (Poster 5) lands first.

Visual Map — The Development-Approach Spectrum

Requirements certainty: HIGH  ·  change welcomed: LOW LOW  ·  HIGH HYBRID = blend predictive + adaptive Predictive Plan-driven; scope fixed early; sequential phases; single big delivery. Iterative Refine the whole through repeated cycles; for unclear or complex requirements. Incremental Deliver usable pieces in succession; value early, partial deliveries. Adaptive Iterative + incremental; change-friendly, frequent feedback (agile).

Left = certain requirements, change is costly; right = uncertain requirements, change is welcomed. Hybrid blends the two — e.g., an adaptive build inside a predictive governance shell.

Iterative vs Incremental (the classic trap)

ITERATIVE — refine the whole Same scope each pass, getting clearer / better. INCREMENTAL — add usable pieces Each pass adds a finished slice until the whole is done.

Adaptive = iterative + incremental, done in short, change-responsive cycles.

Delivery Cadence — When You Release

Single
one delivery at the end (e.g., a building handed over).
Multiple
several deliveries, often phased components.
Periodic
on a regular schedule (e.g., monthly releases).
Continuous
a constant flow of increments to customers (DevOps).

Life Cycle & Phases

  • A life cycle = the series of phases from start to completion.
  • A phase = a set of logically related activities ending in a deliverable.
  • Phase gates = review / go-no-go decision points between phases.
  • The development approach drives the number, length & cadence of phases.

Selecting an Approach — What to Weigh

LensConsiderations
Product / resultinnovation, requirements certainty, scope stability, ease of change, delivery options, risk, safety & regulation
Projectstakeholders, schedule constraints, funding availability
Organisationstructure, culture, capability, team size & distribution

Aligning the Three

  • Keep approach + cadence + life cycle coherent — e.g., adaptive approach → iterative life cycle → periodic/continuous cadence.
  • Predictive approach → few sequential phases → single/few deliveries.
  • Misalignment = rework, waste & confused governance.

Interactions with Other Domains

  • Shapes Planning (how you plan) & Project Work (ways of working).
  • Sets the Delivery & Measurement cadence.
  • Adaptive approaches absorb Uncertainty; influences Team & Stakeholder engagement rhythm.

Exam Concepts

  • Iterative = refine the whole; incremental = add pieces; adaptive = both.
  • Cadence types: single · multiple · periodic · continuous.
  • Approach drives the life cycle, not the reverse.
  • Hybrid blends predictive & adaptive deliberately.

Executive View

  • The approach choice is a risk / speed / value trade-off.
  • Right cadence = faster value & feedback.
  • Don't mandate one approach across all work.

Industry Examples

  • Predictive: bridge build — sequential phases, single handover.
  • Incremental: building delivered floor-by-floor.
  • Adaptive: SaaS with continuous deployment.
  • Hybrid: medical device — agile software in a regulated shell.

Measuring Outcomes

  • Deliverables produced at the chosen cadence.
  • The approach fits the context; the life cycle enables value.
  • Minimal rework from a mismatched approach; team can re-tailor as they learn.

Memory Hooks

  • "Approach → Cadence → Life Cycle, then ALIGN."
  • Iterative = redo to improve · Incremental = add to complete.
  • Cadence S-M-P-C: Single · Multiple · Periodic · Continuous.
60-sec Review Place the 4 approaches on the spectrum Iterative vs incremental 4 cadence types Life cycle vs phase vs gate Why align the three
PMI Visual Wall · Domain Deep-Dive · Development Approach & Life Cycle · original instructional design · A3 landscape