A project team is using the Stacey Complexity Model to map the degree of uncertainty in the project and select the appropriate project life cycle. As the meeting progresses, it becomes evident that while the requirements are well-known, the team is unfamiliar with the technology required to implement them. As a result, the team selects an adaptive project life cycle.

Where on the Stacey Complexity Model did the team most likely map the project?

(On the actual PMP exam, you will be requested to click the correct area in the image. But here in the simulator, please select the answer below.)



A. A
B. B
C. C
D. D

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HINT: What area represents the high degree of technical uncertainty but a low degree of uncertainty of requirements?

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Answer and Explanation:
The correct answer is C.

A project life cycle is the series of phases that a project passes through from its start to its completion. (Note, the word "phase" in this context is used differently from how it's used in multi-phase projects).

The project life cycle provides the basic framework for managing the project. Predictive, iterative, incremental, adaptive, hybrid are examples of a project life cycle. The selection of the life cycle depends on project characteristics.

There are various models that can be used to describe project characteristics. One of them is the Stacey Complexity Model. The model addresses the degree of uncertainty as it relates to the project requirements on the one hand and how to fulfill those requirements using current knowledge and technology on the other hand. The technical degree of uncertainty is mapped on the horizontal axis, and the uncertainty of requirements is on the vertical axis. According to the model, as project uncertainty increases along any of those dimensions, so too does the risk of rework and the need to use a different project management approach.

When project requirements, as well as the technology to implement these requirements, are clear, the predictive project life cycle is typically the way to go. As the degree of uncertainty increases, the likelihood of changes, risk, and rework increases as well. Such projects would benefit from either iterative, incremental, adaptive, or hybrid life cycles. When both the technical degree of uncertainty and the degree of uncertainty in project requirements is very high, a project is considered chaos (or anarchy). Managing such a project is very hard to impossible.

In the scenario, the project requirements are well-known, meaning the degree of uncertainty in requirements is low. However, the team is unfamiliar with the technology required to implement them, implying the technical degree of uncertainty is high. Based on these findings, the team selects an adaptive project life cycle, implying the project has been mapped within area C.

Details for each option:

A. Incorrect. Area A represents a low degree of both technical uncertainty and requirements uncertainty. Projects that are mapped within this area are referred to as simple projects and would benefit from a predictive life cycle. In the scenario, the team selects an adaptive life cycle, making this choice an incorrect answer.

B. Incorrect. Area B represents a low-to-medium degree of both technical uncertainty and requirements uncertainty. Projects that are mapped within this area are referred to as complicated projects and would benefit from one of the adaptive life cycles. While in the scenario, the team selects an adaptive life cycle, the technical degree of uncertainty is high, implying the project is likely mapped outside of area B.

C. Correct. Area C represents projects with one uncertainty aspect being high and the other uncertainty aspect being low-to-medium. Projects that are mapped within this area are referred to as complex projects and would benefit from an adaptive life cycle. In the scenario, the requirements are well-known (a low degree of uncertainty), however, the team is unfamiliar with the technology required to implement them, implying the technical degree of uncertainty is high. Also, the team selected an adaptive life cycle, making this choice the best answer to the question asked.

D. Incorrect. Area D represents a high degree of both technical uncertainty and requirements uncertainty. Projects that are mapped within this area are referred to as chaotic (or anarchy) projects and are unlikely to be even selected as feasible. In the scenario, the project has already been selected. Therefore, this answer choice can be eliminated.

Reference: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK^® Guide) – Seventh Edition, Project Management Institute Inc., 2021,
4.2.5.2 Stacey Matrix

Agile Practice Guide - First Edition, Project Management Institute Inc., 2017,
2.4 UNCERTAINTY, RISK, AND LIFE CYCLE SELECTION

Process Groups: A Practice Guide, Project Management Institute Inc., 2023,
1.7.1 Project and Development Life Cycles

Effective Project Management: Traditional, Agile, Extreme, Hybrid, 8th Edition, Robert K. Wysocki, 2019,
Extreme Complex Project Management Models

Additional resources:
www.scrum-tips.com/2016/02/17/stacey-complexity-model/