Learning Objective 1 - Lifecycles

Question 1

What is the impact of a project’s life cycle on its governance framework?

Answer 1

Different project life cycles can affect the governance framework and the overall limit of financial authority.

Question 2

What are two features of the linear project life cycle.

Answer 2

1. A sequential life cycle with clearly defined outputs
2. Typically applied to low-risk projects, where the expectations of each phase are known

Question 3

What are two benefits of the linear lifecycle

Answer 3

1. Provides a clear framework for the team to follow, with early definition of requirements, and allows maximum control and governance.
2. Controls and information are passed on to the next phase when predefined milestones have been reached and accomplished

Question 4

What are two strengths of a linear life cycle?

Answer 4

1. Suitable for low-risk projects.
2. Provides a clear framework for the team to follow.

Question 5

What are two limitations of a linear lifecycle

Answer 5

1. Requires very early clarity on scope and governance.
2. Ascertaining if the benefits have been realised is a longer process.
3. Less flexible in accommodating change.

Question 6

What are two features of the iterative project life cycle.

Answer 6

1. Repeats one or more phases.
2. Project scope may be vague, or solutions unclear, requiring greater flexibility in governance processes.

Question 7

What are two benefits of the iterative lifecycle

Answer 7

1. Beneficial for evolving objectives or solutions, used in agile development projects and allows iterative learning.
2. Project Manager and team can observe the benefits the staged functionality delivers and adjust the next iteration accordingly

Question 8

What are two strengths of the iterative lifecycle

Answer 8

1. Beneficial for evolving objectives or solutions.
2. Suitable where project scope might be vague.
3. Allows iterative feedback and accommodates change more easily.

Question 9

What are two limitation of the iterative life cycle?

Answer 9

1. Lack of early certainty in terms of overall duration and cost.
2. Could lead to complexities in managing resources.

Question 10

What does the hybrid project life cycle combine?

Answer 10

Aspects of both linear and iterative life cycles to enable a mixed approach.

Question 11

What are two benefits of a hybrid lifecycle

Answer 11

1. Project Team can choose the best of both linear and iterative lifecycles to best suit the project.
2. If a fixed requirement is set the iterative style can be used during deployment to develop the outputs and add further functionality.

Question 12

What are two strengths of the Hybrid lifecycle

Answer 12

1. Facilitates a mix of approaches to suit a specific development.
2. Building agile working into a project or programme can offer increased efficiency and flexibility.

Question 13

What is the key limitation of the Hybrid lifecycle

Answer 13

Requires a high level of skill and clarity when using multiple different systems of working.

Question 14

Name three stages in the project life cycle.

Answer 14

• Concept
• Definition
• Deployment
• Transition

Question 15

Which project life cycle is unsuitable for a long and complex project with developing requirements?

Answer 15

Linear

Question 16

What is one strength of the iterative life cycle?

Answer 16

Allows iterative feedback and accommodates change more easily.

Question 17

What are the two additional phases in an extended project life cycle?

Answer 17

Adoption
Benefits Realisation

Question 18

Fill in the blank: A _______ life cycle would be most appropriate for a project with high uncertainty.

Answer 18

iterative

Question 19

What should be considered when choosing the right life cycle for a project?

Answer 19

Deployment approach
Desired benefits and outcomes
Organisation’s appetite for risk

Question 20

What is the difference between a project life cycle and an extended life cycle?

Answer 20

An extended life cycle includes additional phases like Adoption and Benefits Realisation.

Question 21

What is a key feature of projects structured as phases in linear life cycles?

Answer 21

Provides clearer identification of priorities and appropriate focus on current work.

Question 22

What do iterative life cycles require in terms of governance?

Answer 22

Greater flexibility due to vague project scope or unclear required solutions.

Question 23

What is a limitation of the linear life cycle?

Answer 23

Less flexible in accommodating change.

Question 24

What type of projects are linear life cycles best suited for?

Answer 24

Stable, low-risk projects with well-defined requirements.

Question 25

What does the hybrid life cycle facilitate?

Answer 25

A mix of approaches to suit specific project developments.

Question 26

What is one key aspect of the linear life cycle regarding requirements?

Answer 26

Requires very early clarity on scope and governance.

Question 27

True or False: Iterative life cycles are beneficial for projects with evolving objectives.

Answer 27

True

Question 28

What influences the choice of project life cycle?

Answer 28

The context and culture of an organisation, as well as the specific needs of a project.

Question 29

What is a characteristic of hybrid life cycles?

Answer 29

They require a high level of skill and clarity when using multiple different systems of working.

Question 30

What is the focus of an extended project life cycle?

Answer 30

Emphasis on benefits realisation and operations and maintenance.

Question 31

What is the main advantage of the iterative life cycle?

Answer 31

Beneficial for evolving objectives or solutions.

Question 32

List two limitations of choosing an iterative life cycle for a project.

Answer 32

* Lack of early certainty in overall duration and cost * Complexity in managing resources

Question 33

What is a characteristic of a linear project life cycle?

Answer 33

It has clearly defined outputs and is typically applied to low-risk projects. ## Footnote Linear life cycles provide maximum control and governance.

Question 34

What type of projects benefit from an iterative life cycle?

Answer 34

Projects with evolving objectives or solutions. ## Footnote Iterative life cycles allow for iterative learning.

Question 35

What is a key benefit of a hybrid project life cycle?

Answer 35

It combines aspects of both linear and iterative life cycles. ## Footnote This flexibility allows for a mixed approach suited to the project.

Question 36

What does an iterative life cycle require in terms of governance?

Answer 36

Greater flexibility is required as the project's scope may be vague. ## Footnote Adaptations can be made before the next iteration.

Question 37

What is a limitation of a linear life cycle?

Answer 37

It may lack flexibility in accommodating change. ## Footnote This can lead to complexities in managing resources.

Question 38

Fill in the blank: The iterative life cycle allows for _______ learning.

Answer 38

iterative

Question 39

True or False: A hybrid life cycle can increase efficiency and flexibility.

Answer 39

True

Question 40

What is a disadvantage of using an iterative life cycle?

Answer 40

Lack of early certainty in terms of overall duration and cost. ## Footnote This can complicate project management.

Question 41

What is a benefit of the linear life cycle regarding communication?

Answer 41

Communication is simple as controls and information are passed on to subsequent phases. ## Footnote This is effective when milestones are reached.

Question 42

What is the impact of a project's life cycle on its governance framework?

Answer 42

Different life cycles can affect governance frameworks and the limits of financial authority. ## Footnote Understanding this impact is crucial for project management.

Question 43

What is required to effectively use a hybrid life cycle?

Answer 43

A high level of skill and clarity is required. ## Footnote This is necessary when using multiple different systems of working.