Iteration
A fixed-duration development cycle for a product or deliverable during which the team completes all work needed to deliver value.
Key Points
- Timeboxed: the length is set in advance and does not change.
- Includes end-to-end work such as analysis, design, build, test, and integration.
- Produces a usable or demonstrable increment of value at the end.
- Enables quick feedback and continual improvement through short cycles.
Example
A software team runs a two-week iteration to add a reporting feature. In that timebox they refine requirements, design the solution, code, test, and integrate it, delivering a potentially shippable increment for stakeholder review.
PMP Example Question
A team schedules a two-week timebox to analyze, develop, test, and integrate a set of features that results in a potentially shippable increment. What is this timebox called?
- Iteration
- Phase
- Milestone
- Change request
Correct Answer: A — Iteration
Explanation: An iteration is a fixed-length cycle in which all work needed to deliver value is performed, resulting in a usable outcome.