PMP · Question #1358
A project manager is working on a project to build a manufacturing complex. The project will run in three different phases: engineering, procurement, and construction. The procurement phase is in the
The correct answer is A. Use a hybrid model to combine predictive and adaptive life cycles.. For a multi-phase manufacturing project that needs a planned approach but also flexibility for changes and new data, the project manager should use a hybrid model combining predictive and adaptive life cycles.
Question
A project manager is working on a project to build a manufacturing complex. The project will run in three different phases: engineering, procurement, and construction. The procurement phase is in the initiation stage. The project sponsor wants to pursue the project phases as they have been planned, but also wants to accommodate and adjust to new data, input from the customer, and changes during the various phases as the project progresses. How should the project manager approach this project?
Options
- AUse a hybrid model to combine predictive and adaptive life cycles.
- BImplement an adaptive project management approach.
- CEvaluate and decide on a phased project management approach.
- DApply a predictive project management approach.
How the community answered
(34 responses)- A82% (28)
- B9% (3)
- C3% (1)
- D6% (2)
Why each option
For a multi-phase manufacturing project that needs a planned approach but also flexibility for changes and new data, the project manager should use a hybrid model combining predictive and adaptive life cycles.
The project has distinct, sequential phases (engineering, procurement, construction) which suggests elements of a predictive approach, but the sponsor's desire to "accommodate and adjust to new data, input from the customer, and changes" indicates a need for flexibility and iterative refinement. A hybrid model, combining the stability of a predictive framework for overall structure and the adaptability of agile for managing change within phases, is ideal for balancing these requirements.
An adaptive (agile) approach alone might lack the upfront planning and structured sequential execution typically required for large-scale construction and manufacturing projects.
A phased approach is described in the question, but it doesn't specify how to handle the desired adaptability for changes and new data within those phases.
A purely predictive approach would struggle to accommodate and adjust to new data and changes as effectively as the sponsor desires, leading to potential rework and resistance.
Concept tested: Hybrid project management life cycles
Source: https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/agile-waterfall-hybrid-project-management-6523
Topics
Community Discussion
6
Anjali D.Mar 17, 2026Our group landed on A. The stem tells you the sponsor wants planned phases kept intact, which points to predictive, but also wants to accommodate new data and customer input as things progress, which is pure adaptive. That combination is exactly what a hybrid model is designed for. A few of us initially leaned B because of the emphasis on change, but full adaptive would not preserve the planned three-phase structure the sponsor explicitly wants.
Brenda K.Mar 19, 2026A is correct and your reasoning is solid, but save yourself time on exam day: the second you see "phased structure" plus "incorporate new input" in the same stem, hybrid is the answer, flag nothing, move on in under 30 seconds.
Nina C.Feb 26, 2026Going with A. Does hybrid always mean mixing predictive and adaptive across phases?
Anjali D.Feb 27, 2026Good call on A, and yes, hybrid does mix predictive and adaptive, but the key distinction exam questions usually test is whether the mix happens across phases or within the same phase, so watch for that wording.
Bao N.Mar 10, 2026Got A on my exam back in March and the key was spotting both signals: planned phases means predictive but accommodate and adjust to new data means adaptive, so hybrid is the only fit. C trips people up because phased sounds right but it ignores the adaptive piece the sponsor is asking for.
Brenda K.Feb 10, 2026A. Predictive phases plus adaptive changes equals hybrid, exactly what the stem describes.