CAPM Practice Question: Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts
A project manager is working on a research and development project where the scope is not clearly defined at the start. The project manager wants to use an adaptive approach to manage the project. Which two characteristics are typical of an adaptive project management approach? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that all project management approaches require early scope baselining and formal change control, which is not true for adaptive approaches.
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
✓
Requirements are elaborated and prioritized incrementally.
Adaptive project management approaches, such as agile, embrace changing requirements and deliver value through iterative cycles with frequent stakeholder feedback. They prioritize requirements incrementally rather than baselining scope early. In contrast, predictive approaches emphasize early scope definition and formal change control. The correct characteristics reflect the flexibility and customer collaboration central to adaptive methods.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Change requests are discouraged to prevent scope creep.
Why it's wrong here
In adaptive approaches, changes are expected and welcomed as a way to deliver value. Discouraging changes would be counterproductive when scope is not clearly defined. Instead, changes are managed through backlog refinement and prioritization. This option reflects a predictive mindset, not an adaptive one.
- ✓
Requirements are elaborated and prioritized incrementally.
Why this is correct
In adaptive approaches, requirements are discovered and refined iteratively throughout the project. They are prioritized to deliver the highest value early. This contrasts with predictive approaches where requirements are defined upfront. The scenario involves unclear scope, making incremental elaboration and prioritization essential to adapt to changing needs and stakeholder feedback.
- ✗
Detailed scope is baselined early and changes are controlled through integrated change control.
Why it's wrong here
This describes a predictive or waterfall approach, where scope is defined and baselined early, and changes are managed through formal integrated change control. In an adaptive approach, scope is not baselined early; instead, it evolves. The scenario calls for an adaptive approach, so this characteristic does not fit.
- ✓
Deliverables are produced through iterative cycles with frequent stakeholder feedback.
Why this is correct
Adaptive approaches rely on iterative cycles (e.g., sprints) to produce deliverables and incorporate stakeholder feedback regularly. This enables the team to adjust based on what is learned. Given the unclear scope, frequent feedback helps ensure the project meets evolving needs, making this a typical characteristic of adaptive methods.
- ✗
The project manager makes all decisions without team input to maintain control.
Why it's wrong here
Adaptive approaches often empower the team and encourage collaborative decision-making. Autocratic decision-making is not typical; it can hinder responsiveness. In an adaptive environment, the team and stakeholders are engaged in decisions, especially when scope is uncertain. This option contradicts the principles of adaptive project management.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official PMI exam blueprint
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