PMI Scheduling Professional Certification (PMI-SP) Practice Exam

What does progressive elaboration refer to in project planning?

1. The process of finalizing project details before execution

2. The method of adding detail as knowledge and information increases

3. A technique for risk assessment at the project start

4. The practice of designing project deliverables in detail initially

The correct answer is: The method of adding detail as knowledge and information increases

Progressive elaboration refers to the method of continuously refining and expanding project details over time as more information and understanding is gained. This concept is fundamental in project management because it acknowledges that projects often begin with limited information and that details can evolve as the team learns more about the project requirements, stakeholder expectations, and constraints. By utilizing progressive elaboration, project managers and teams can adjust their plans based on new insights, enabling them to respond to changes and uncertainties effectively. This approach also supports risk management, as it allows for the identification of risks and uncertainties to be addressed incrementally throughout the project lifecycle. This process is particularly beneficial in complex projects where full details might not be available at the start. It emphasizes iterative planning rather than attempting to finalize every detail upfront, thereby promoting flexibility and adaptability.