PMP · Question #703
A project manager has been assigned with initiating a large project to deliver complex equipment. Part of the project will be the result of a long research process, but once this is completed, the…
The correct answer is C. Hybrid. For a project with a long research phase followed by incremental delivery of complex equipment, a hybrid approach is most suitable. This combines a predictive approach for the research with an agile approach for the incremental delivery.
Question
A project manager has been assigned with initiating a large project to deliver complex equipment. Part of the project will be the result of a long research process, but once this is completed, the other part of the project must be incrementally delivered to the customer. Which approach should the project manager choose for this project?
Options
- AAgile
- BWaterfall
- CHybrid
- DPredictive
How the community answered
(45 responses)- A4% (2)
- B11% (5)
- C82% (37)
- D2% (1)
Why each option
For a project with a long research phase followed by incremental delivery of complex equipment, a hybrid approach is most suitable. This combines a predictive approach for the research with an agile approach for the incremental delivery.
Agile is suitable for incremental delivery but not ideal for a potentially long, upfront research process that may require extensive upfront planning and design validation before development can begin.
Waterfall is suitable for the long research phase with defined requirements but struggles with incremental delivery and adapting to change later in the project.
A hybrid approach combines elements of both predictive (waterfall) and agile methodologies. The long research process benefits from a predictive, phased approach, while the incremental delivery to the customer is best suited for an agile, iterative approach, making hybrid the ideal choice for this scenario.
Predictive (waterfall) is good for the upfront research but would not support the requirement for incremental delivery to the customer, as it typically delivers a complete product at the end.
Concept tested: Project Life Cycle Selection
Source: https://www.pmi.org/pmbok-guide-standards/foundational/pmbok/project-life-cycle-tailoring
Topics
Community Discussion
4
Mei-Ling H.Jun 21, 2026C is correct. The stem says one part is a long research process, which maps to predictive or waterfall, and the other part must be incrementally delivered, which maps to agile, so the hybrid approach is the only answer that covers both delivery styles.
Olusegun A.Jun 24, 2026Agreed C is correct, but the real exam trigger is not just two delivery styles coexisting, it is the word must on the incremental side, which kills pure predictive and forces the hybrid call.
Orla P.Jun 27, 2026Confirmed C on exam last month. The long research process screams predictive, but the incremental delivery to the customer is your agile giveaway, so hybrid is the only fit. D trips people up because predictive sounds like the right call for complex equipment, but it ignores the incremental handoff requirement entirely. A is wrong because pure agile does not cover that upfront research phase well.
Olusegun A.Jun 9, 2026C is the only answer here. Had this exact stem on my exam last year and the keyword split is "long research process" paired with "incrementally delivered" which is your hybrid signal, not pure agile or pure predictive.