Which characteristic best describes a predictive approach?

• A. It uses a completely defined scope before the project starts, with any change needing to be requested and approved by a change control board
• B. It relies on iterative, incremental delivery with frequent re-planning
• C. It avoids formal change control processes
• D. It starts with a rough, evolving scope

Answer: (A)

Predictive project management is plan-driven, with a clearly defined scope up front and formal change control. In this approach you establish a baseline for scope, schedule, and cost before work begins, and any changes are handled through a structured process, typically involving a change control board. This keeps the project predictable and tightly governed, which is ideal when requirements are well understood and stability is valued. The description that matches this idea is the one that says the scope is completely defined before the project starts and any changes require approval through a change-control process.

The other descriptions point to adaptive or agile styles, where scope and plans evolve as the project progresses, and re-planning happens frequently.