easyMultiple Choice
CISA Practice Question: A project manager is selecting a development…
A project manager is selecting a development methodology for a project with well-defined requirements and low uncertainty. Which methodology is most appropriate?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often assume Agile is always the 'modern' or 'best' choice, but the CISA exam tests the principle that methodology selection must match project characteristics—specifically, Waterfall is optimal when requirements are fixed and uncertainty is low, not when adaptability is needed.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Waterfall
Waterfall is the most appropriate methodology for projects with well-defined requirements and low uncertainty because it follows a linear, sequential approach where each phase (requirements, design, implementation, verification, maintenance) must be completed before the next begins. This structure minimizes risk when requirements are stable and unlikely to change, ensuring thorough documentation and predictable outcomes. In contrast, iterative or adaptive methods would introduce unnecessary complexity and overhead for such a deterministic project.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Waterfall
Why this is correct
Waterfall suits projects with well-defined, stable requirements and low uncertainty because it progresses sequentially through fixed phases with upfront documentation. Its predictive, plan-driven structure matches the stem's constraint of clarity and minimal change, unlike iterative agile approaches.
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Agile
Why it's wrong here
Agile delivers working increments through short iterations for evolving requirements, so fixed, well-defined scope removes its advantage and adds ceremony without benefit. It tempts because Agile suits high-uncertainty projects where requirements emerge, which is the opposite of this low-uncertainty scenario.
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Rapid Application Development (RAD)
Why it's wrong here
RAD compresses delivery through iterative prototyping with heavy user involvement, which suits unclear or fast-changing requirements rather than the fixed, well-defined scope here. It tempts because RAD shortens timelines, making it the right choice when requirements must be discovered through rapid prototype feedback.
- ✗
Spiral
Why it's wrong here
Spiral iterates through risk analysis and prototyping, adding overhead that fixed, low-uncertainty requirements do not justify. It tempts because Spiral excels on large, high-risk projects where each cycle addresses identified risks, which is the opposite of this stable, well-understood scenario.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CISA practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CISA exam.