Iterative Life Cycle
An iterative life cycle is an approach where the project scope is generally determined early, but time and cost estimates are routinely modified as understanding increases through repeated cycles of work.
Explanation
In an iterative life cycle, the project develops the product through repeated cycles (iterations) that successively refine the deliverable. Each iteration builds upon the learning from previous iterations. The intent is not to deliver a portion of the final product each cycle, but rather to develop a progressively more complete and refined version of the entire product.
This approach is useful when the project faces significant complexity or uncertainty about the solution. For example, developing a new pharmaceutical compound might require multiple research iterations to refine the formula, with each iteration providing deeper understanding. The scope may be defined at a high level early, but the detailed solution emerges through the iterative process.
Iterative life cycles differ from incremental life cycles in a subtle but important way. Iterative focuses on refining and deepening (improving quality and understanding with each pass), while incremental focuses on adding functionality in successive pieces. In practice, many projects combine both approaches.
Key Points
- •Develops deliverables through repeated cycles of refinement
- •Scope is broadly defined early but detailed understanding evolves
- •Each iteration builds on lessons from the previous one
- •Useful when the solution is complex or uncertain
Exam Tip
Think of iterative as "rework and refine." Each cycle improves the product. If the exam describes a project that revisits and improves the same deliverable in successive passes, it is iterative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Incremental Life Cycle
An incremental life cycle is an approach where the deliverable is produced through a series of iterations that successively add functionality within a predetermined time frame.
Adaptive Life Cycle
An adaptive life cycle is a change-driven approach that is both iterative and incremental, where the detailed scope is defined and approved before the start of each iteration.
Project Life Cycle
The project life cycle is the series of phases that a project passes through from its start to its completion.
Hybrid Life Cycle
A hybrid life cycle is a combination of predictive and adaptive approaches, using elements of both based on the nature of the work.
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