HKSM
Progressive Elaboration
A step-by-step refinement of the project management plan, adding more detail as new information is discovered and estimates become increasingly accurate.
Key Points
- Plans begin at a high level and are detailed iteratively over time.
- New data, feedback, and better estimates drive the added detail.
- Commonly applied via rolling wave planning and backlog refinement with proper change control.
- Not scope creep; it clarifies and decomposes approved scope rather than expanding it.
Example
At project kickoff, the team defines milestones and high-level epics. As the release nears, they break epics into user stories; just before each sprint, they split stories into tasks with hour estimates, update risks and dependencies, and adjust the schedule based on recent velocity. This gradual, informed detailing is progressive elaboration.
PMP Example Question
A project manager creates a milestone-level schedule and commits to detailing work packages and estimates a few weeks before execution of each phase as more information becomes available. What practice is being used?
- Progressive elaboration
- Gold plating
- Fast tracking
- Scope creep
Correct Answer: A — Progressive elaboration
Explanation: The plan is refined in stages as new information and better estimates emerge, which is the essence of progressive elaboration.
