1. Lifecycles Flashcards
(10 cards)
Describe the Linear Life Cycle?
•Sequential phases with clearly defined outputs
•Best for stable, low-risk projects
•Emphasises early requirements definition, maximum control, and governance
Describe the Iterative cycle?
•Repeats phases to refine the product
•Suited to vague scope, evolving objectives
•Supports flexibility, feedback, staged delivery
•Encourages prototyping, timeboxes, parallel activities
Describe the Hybrid Cycle?
•Mix of linear + iterative.
•Fixed requirements with iterative delivery.
•Tailored approach to suit project.
Describe the project life cycle?
•Ends at transition/closure.
•Used when handover to customer.
•Accountability ends at delivery.
Explain the extended Life Cycle?
•Adds adoption + benefits realisation.
•For internal change projects.
•Project team supports embedding.
•Maintains accountability until change embedded.
Why organisations favour a linear life cycle?
•Structured, predictable environments.
•Early availability of perfect knowledge.
•Greater need for control and
governance.
•Lower appetite for change or risk.
•Phased teams may create silos and knowledge boundaries.
Why organisations favour a iterative cycle?
•Agile and adaptable culture.
•Favour concurrency and flexibility.
•Suited to evolving objectives and learning through development.
•Use of prototypes, timeboxes, and parallel activity to manage uncertainty.
Advantages and limitations of linear life cycle
✅ Suitable for low-risk, well-defined projects.
✅ Provides clear framework, strong governance.
❌ Requires early clarity on scope.
❌ Less flexible, slower to realise benefits.
Advantages and limitations of iterative cycle?
✅ Supports evolving objectives and agile working.
✅ Allows feedback and flexibility.
❌ Uncertain duration and cost early on.
❌ Resource management may be complex.
Advantages and limitations of a hybrid cycle?
✅ Enables mix of approaches for flexibility and efficiency.
❌ Requires high skill and clarity to manage different systems effectively.
