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1.3 Ways of Working & Tailoring
Modern project leaders must be "methodology agnostic." The 2026 PMP exam rewards the ability to select and tailor the right approach—Predictive, Agile, or Hybrid—based on the unique context of the work.
👩💼 Sarah's Triple Challenge
To understand these approaches, we follow Sarah, a PM managing three very different initiatives in 2026.
Predictive
Office Renovation
High certainty, fixed scope, and regulated safety codes. Rework is expensive, so planning is thorough.
Agile
Expense App
High uncertainty, evolving user needs. Success is measured by adoption and frequent feedback loops.
Hybrid
Global Rollout
Predictive program milestones (move-in dates) combined with agile team delivery for training and tools.
🧭 Selecting Your Approach
Choosing the right way of working requires diagnosing the project's complexity and uncertainty.
| Feature | Predictive (Waterfall) | Agile (Adaptive) | Hybrid (Blended) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirements | Fixed upfront | Evolving / Emerging | Mix of both |
| Delivery | Single final release | Incremental / Frequent | Phased releases |
| Change | Controlled via CCB | Welcomed via Backlog | Tiered based on impact |
| Value | Realized at the end | Realized early & often | Continuous with gates |
| When to Use | Stable, low-risk work | Innovative, uncertain work | Large, complex programs |
🛠️ Tailoring for Context
Tailoring is the deliberate adaptation of processes to fit the project's "vibe."
Uncertainty
If you don't know the exact end result, lean Agile.
Constraint
If deadlines are legally mandated, use Predictive guardrails.
Culture
If the team is new to Agile, use Hybrid coaching steps.
Complexity
If multiple vendors are involved, use Predictive contract governance.
💡 The 2026 Exam Secret
On the exam, if a scenario describes a highly uncertain product with a fixed budget, look for the Hybrid or Agile answer that prioritizes the highest value items first.
📝 Exam Insight: There is no "perfect" methodology. The correct answer is the one that minimizes risk and maximizes value for the specific scenario provided.