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CISA Practice Question: Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation
During a spiral SDLC project, the project team has completed a risk analysis and created a prototype. What is the most likely next step in the spiral model?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse the spiral model's iterative prototyping with a linear waterfall approach, mistakenly thinking that a prototype leads directly to deployment or formal sign-off, rather than understanding that the spiral model uses risk-driven iteration to progressively refine the product.
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
✓
Develop the next level of the product based on the risk analysis
In the spiral model, each iteration begins with identifying objectives, evaluating alternatives, and resolving risks through risk analysis. After completing risk analysis and building a prototype, the next step is to develop the next level of the product, incorporating the risk analysis findings to refine requirements and design. This ensures that high-risk areas are addressed incrementally before proceeding to subsequent phases.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Deploy the system to production
Why it's wrong here
Deployment occurs after multiple iterations, not immediately after risk analysis and prototyping.
- ✗
Obtain formal sign-off from the business owner on requirements
Why it's wrong here
Requirements are defined earlier and may evolve; formal sign-off is more typical of waterfall.
- ✓
Develop the next level of the product based on the risk analysis
Why this is correct
In the spiral model, after risk analysis, the team proceeds to develop the next level of the product (e.g., a more refined prototype or increment).
- ✗
Conduct user acceptance testing (UAT)
Why it's wrong here
UAT occurs later, after development and testing, not immediately after risk analysis and prototyping.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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