Product, Service, or Result Factors

Degree of Innovation

  • Well-known or routine work → Predictive.
  • New, experimental, or innovative work → Adaptive.

Requirements Certainty

  • Clear, stable, and fixed requirements → Predictive.
  • Unclear or evolving requirements → Adaptive.

Scope Stability

  • Stable and unlikely to change → Predictive.
  • Flexible or prone to frequent changes → Adaptive.

Ease of Change

  • Difficult or costly to implement changes → Predictive.
  • Easy and frequent changes expected → Adaptive.

Delivery Options

  • Deliverable must be completed as a whole → Predictive.
  • Deliverable can be released in parts (MVP, iterations) → Adaptive/Iterative/Incremental.

Risk Level

  • High-risk, requiring detailed planning → Predictive.
  • Moderate risk with flexibility to adjust → Adaptive.

Safety Requirements

  • Critical safety needs (e.g., pharma, aviation) → Predictive for strict control.

Regulatory Compliance

  • Heavily regulated industries → Predictive, ensuring documentation and audits.

Project-Specific Factors

Stakeholder Involvement

  • Minimal involvement after initial planning → Predictive.
  • Continuous feedback and collaboration required → Adaptive.

Schedule Constraints

  • Fixed deadlines with one-time delivery → Predictive.
  • Need for early/partial releases or fast value delivery → Adaptive/Iterative.

Funding Availability

  • Well-defined, upfront budget → Predictive.
  • Uncertain or incremental funding → Adaptive, allowing MVPs and staged investment.

Organizational Factors

Structure

  • Hierarchical, layered organizations → Predictive fits better.
  • Flat, flexible, and empowered teams → Adaptive thrives.

Culture

  • Emphasis on control, documentation, and planning → Predictive.
  • Encouragement of autonomy, collaboration, and flexibility → Adaptive.

Organizational Capability

  • Transitioning to agile requires training, tools, and cultural change — adopting Adaptive is more than just a declaration.

Team Size and Location

  • Large, distributed teams → Predictive tends to work better.
  • Small, co-located teams (ideally 5–9 members) → Adaptive supports collaboration and agility.

👉 In short

  • Predictive = Stability, control, heavy planning, and compliance.
  • Adaptive = Flexibility, innovation, frequent delivery, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Hybrid = A balance of both, depending on project needs.
PreviousNext