Question

6. On the Zimbo project, not all requirements are known and the ones that are gathered may change as more information is presented to the client. To account for this, the project manager uses an iterative planning technique. The work that will be accomplished in the near future is planned in detail. The work that will be accomplished in the future is planned at a higher level. What planning technique (not project life cycle!) does the project manager use?

Answer 1

The planning technique used by the project manager here is Rolling Wave technique. It is a form of Progressive elaboration where the work to be accomplished in near future is planned in greater detail whereas the work to be accomplished in future is planned at higher level.

It allows work and activities to move in sync with near-term deliverables while continuing to plan for future term work packages. This technique is highly suitable for projects where outcome of phases are highly variable and depend on the successful completion of previous phase work packages. Invention projects are examples where Rolling wave technique can be employed.

Here also, in Zimbo project, all project requirements are not known and scope may change based on availability of more information. Since the outcome of phases is variable, the Rolling wave iteration planning technique is suited for this project.