Question

A project manager is leading a product development effort with two distinct parts: a hardware component that is subject to strict regulatory approvals with fixed compliance milestones, and a software component whose requirements are still evolving based on user feedback. The sponsor wants both parts delivered under one project and asks the PM to recommend how to structure the delivery approach. What should the PM recommend?

Accepted Answer

Apply a hybrid approach—manage the hardware component predictively to meet compliance milestones while running the software component iteratively to accommodate evolving requirements

Answer

Use a fully predictive approach for the entire project so the regulatory milestones anchor the schedule for both components

Answer

Use a fully agile approach for both components and treat regulatory milestones as backlog items to be prioritized each sprint

Answer

Split the work into two separate projects so each can use whatever methodology its team prefers without coordination overhead