ITIL4F ITIL Guiding Principles Practice Question
Which TWO of the following scenarios best illustrate the principle 'Progress iteratively with feedback'?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse 'Progress iteratively with feedback' with other principles like 'Start where you are' or 'Optimize and automate', leading them to select options that describe assessment or automation rather than the iterative feedback loop.
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
✓
Collecting user feedback after each sprint and adjusting the backlog accordingly
Option C is correct because collecting user feedback after each sprint and adjusting the backlog accordingly directly embodies the principle of progressing iteratively with feedback: work is delivered in small increments, and the feedback loop is used to refine subsequent work. Option D is correct because splitting a large software release into several smaller, incremental releases is the essence of iterative progress, allowing value to be delivered and validated in stages rather than in one big-bang delivery. Option A does not belong because assessing current tools and processes before introducing new ones is about understanding the current state and preparing for change, not about iterative delivery with feedback. Option B does not belong because involving all relevant stakeholders in planning a major change is about collaboration and communication, not specifically about iterating with feedback. Option E does not belong because automating repetitive manual tasks is an efficiency improvement, not an illustration of iterative progress with feedback.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Assessing the current tools and processes before introducing new ones
Why it's wrong here
This scenario directly exemplifies the 'Start where you are' guiding principle. It emphasizes understanding the existing services, processes, and tools to avoid unnecessary re-creation or disruption. While a prerequisite for any effective change, it does not inherently describe the iterative delivery of value or the continuous incorporation of feedback loops, which are central to 'Progress iteratively with feedback'.
- ✗
Involving all relevant stakeholders in the planning of a major change
Why it's wrong here
This action is a clear illustration of the 'Collaborate and promote visibility' guiding principle. It focuses on ensuring that all parties with an interest or impact on the change are engaged and informed, fostering shared understanding and buy-in. While collaboration is beneficial in any project, it does not specifically address the incremental delivery of value or the systematic collection and application of feedback to refine outcomes.
- ✓
Collecting user feedback after each sprint and adjusting the backlog accordingly
Why this is correct
This scenario perfectly embodies the 'Progress iteratively with feedback' principle. Conducting work in short, time-boxed sprints represents iterative progress, while actively collecting user feedback and using it to refine the product backlog demonstrates the crucial feedback loop. This continuous learning and adaptation ensures that development remains aligned with user needs and delivers increasing value incrementally.
- ✓
Splitting a large software release into several smaller, incremental releases
Why this is correct
This practice directly aligns with the 'Progress iteratively with feedback' principle by breaking down a significant undertaking into manageable, smaller increments. Delivering value in smaller releases allows for earlier realization of benefits, reduces risk, and provides frequent opportunities for learning and gathering feedback from users and operations, enabling continuous adjustment and improvement throughout the development lifecycle.
- ✗
Automating repetitive manual tasks to improve efficiency
Why it's wrong here
This action is a prime example of the 'Optimise and automate' guiding principle. It focuses on identifying and eliminating waste, reducing human error, and improving the speed and consistency of operations through technological solutions. While automation can be part of an iterative improvement process, this specific description highlights efficiency gains through automation, rather than the iterative delivery of value or the explicit incorporation of feedback loops for product or service evolution.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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