A predictive planning approach (also known as waterfall or plan-driven) emphasizes upfront planning, thorough documentation, and clearly defined stages of work. One of its key characteristics is that information is captured in standardized templates , ensuring consistency, traceability, and formal approvals at each stage.
Other characteristics include:
* Sequential task execution
* Emphasis on documentation and traceability
* Clear role definitions and responsibilities
* Reduced flexibility to accommodate change mid-project
This is different from adaptive or Agile approaches, which rely on iterations, minimal documentation, and continuous stakeholder feedback.
BABOK Reference:
Detailed in the Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring knowledge area under "Approaches and Techniques," where predictive approaches are contrasted with adaptive approaches based on their structure, documentation, and flexibility.