Learning Objective 1 - Lifecycles Flashcards
Understand the distinct life cycle stages used to structure and organise a project, so that you: 1a) Understand the distinctive features of linear, iterative and hybrid life cycles (including why projects are structured as phases in linear life cycles) and know when each is applicable. 1b) Know the differences between a project life cycle and an extended life cycle. 1c) Understand how the context and culture of an organisation, and the needs of a specific project, influence the choice of project
What is the impact of a project’s life cycle on its governance framework?
Different project life cycles can affect the governance framework and the overall limit of financial authority.
What are two features of the linear project life cycle.
- A sequential life cycle with clearly defined outputs
- Typically applied to low-risk projects, where the expectations of each phase are known
What are two benefits of the linear lifecycle
- Provides a clear framework for the team to follow, with early definition of requirements, and allows maximum control and governance.
- Controls and information are passed on to the next phase when predefined milestones have been reached and accomplished
What are two strengths of a linear life cycle?
- Suitable for low-risk projects.
- Provides a clear framework for the team to follow.
What are two limitations of a linear lifecycle
- Requires very early clarity on scope and governance.
- Ascertaining if the benefits have been realised is a longer process.
- Less flexible in accommodating change.
What are two features of the iterative project life cycle.
- Repeats one or more phases.
- Project scope may be vague, or solutions unclear, requiring greater flexibility in governance processes.
What are two benefits of the iterative lifecycle
- Beneficial for evolving objectives or solutions, used in agile development projects and allows iterative learning.
- Project Manager and team can observe the benefits the staged functionality delivers and adjust the next iteration accordingly
What are two strengths of the iterative lifecycle
- Beneficial for evolving objectives or solutions.
- Suitable where project scope might be vague.
- Allows iterative feedback and accommodates change more easily.
What are two limitation of the iterative life cycle?
- Lack of early certainty in terms of overall duration and cost.
- Could lead to complexities in managing resources.
What does the hybrid project life cycle combine?
Aspects of both linear and iterative life cycles to enable a mixed approach.
What are two benefits of a hybrid lifecycle
- Project Team can choose the best of both linear and iterative lifecycles to best suit the project.
- If a fixed requirement is set the iterative style can be used during deployment to develop the outputs and add further functionality.
What are two strengths of the Hybrid lifecycle
- Facilitates a mix of approaches to suit a specific development.
- Building agile working into a project or programme can offer increased efficiency and flexibility.
What is the key limitation of the Hybrid lifecycle
Requires a high level of skill and clarity when using multiple different systems of working.
Name three stages in the project life cycle.
- Concept
- Definition
- Deployment
- Transition
Which project life cycle is unsuitable for a long and complex project with developing requirements?
Linear
What is one strength of the iterative life cycle?
Allows iterative feedback and accommodates change more easily.
What are the two additional phases in an extended project life cycle?
Adoption
Benefits Realisation
Fill in the blank: A _______ life cycle would be most appropriate for a project with high uncertainty.
iterative
What should be considered when choosing the right life cycle for a project?
Deployment approach
Desired benefits and outcomes
Organisation’s appetite for risk
What is the difference between a project life cycle and an extended life cycle?
An extended life cycle includes additional phases like Adoption and Benefits Realisation.
What is a key feature of projects structured as phases in linear life cycles?
Provides clearer identification of priorities and appropriate focus on current work.
What do iterative life cycles require in terms of governance?
Greater flexibility due to vague project scope or unclear required solutions.
What is a limitation of the linear life cycle?
Less flexible in accommodating change.
What type of projects are linear life cycles best suited for?
Stable, low-risk projects with well-defined requirements.
What does the hybrid life cycle facilitate?
A mix of approaches to suit specific project developments.
What is one key aspect of the linear life cycle regarding requirements?
Requires very early clarity on scope and governance.
True or False: Iterative life cycles are beneficial for projects with evolving objectives.
True
What influences the choice of project life cycle?
The context and culture of an organisation, as well as the specific needs of a project.
What is a characteristic of hybrid life cycles?
They require a high level of skill and clarity when using multiple different systems of working.
What is the focus of an extended project life cycle?
Emphasis on benefits realisation and operations and maintenance.
What is the main advantage of the iterative life cycle?
Beneficial for evolving objectives or solutions.
List two limitations of choosing an iterative life cycle for a project.
- Lack of early certainty in overall duration and cost
- Complexity in managing resources
What is a characteristic of a linear project life cycle?
It has clearly defined outputs and is typically applied to low-risk projects.
Linear life cycles provide maximum control and governance.
What type of projects benefit from an iterative life cycle?
Projects with evolving objectives or solutions.
Iterative life cycles allow for iterative learning.
What is a key benefit of a hybrid project life cycle?
It combines aspects of both linear and iterative life cycles.
This flexibility allows for a mixed approach suited to the project.
What does an iterative life cycle require in terms of governance?
Greater flexibility is required as the project’s scope may be vague.
Adaptations can be made before the next iteration.
What is a limitation of a linear life cycle?
It may lack flexibility in accommodating change.
This can lead to complexities in managing resources.
Fill in the blank: The iterative life cycle allows for _______ learning.
iterative
True or False: A hybrid life cycle can increase efficiency and flexibility.
True
What is a disadvantage of using an iterative life cycle?
Lack of early certainty in terms of overall duration and cost.
This can complicate project management.
What is a benefit of the linear life cycle regarding communication?
Communication is simple as controls and information are passed on to subsequent phases.
This is effective when milestones are reached.
What is the impact of a project’s life cycle on its governance framework?
Different life cycles can affect governance frameworks and the limits of financial authority.
Understanding this impact is crucial for project management.
What is required to effectively use a hybrid life cycle?
A high level of skill and clarity is required.
This is necessary when using multiple different systems of working.
