Progressive Elaboration
DE: Fortschreitende Detaillierung
Continuously improving a plan as more information becomes available.
Detailed Explanation
Progressive elaboration is the iterative process of increasing the level of detail in a project management plan as greater amounts of information and more accurate estimates become available. It recognizes that planning is not a one-time event but an ongoing process.
At project initiation, high-level estimates and broad scope are acceptable. As the team learns more through research, prototyping, and initial deliveries, plans become more detailed and accurate. This is not scope creep — the scope boundaries remain the same, but the understanding of how to deliver within those boundaries deepens.
Progressive elaboration is closely related to rolling wave planning and is a core principle of both agile and predictive approaches. The PMBOK Guide 7th Edition embraces it as fundamental to effective project management in uncertain environments.
Key Points
- Iterative increase in planning detail over time
- Recognizes that early estimates improve as learning occurs
- Not scope creep — scope boundaries stay the same, detail increases
- Closely related to rolling wave planning
- Core principle in both agile and predictive approaches
- Fundamental to managing uncertainty
Practical Example
A software project starts with a high-level estimate of EUR 500K and 6 months. After the 2-week discovery phase, the team refines: EUR 480K, 5.5 months, with detailed estimates for Phase 1 and rough estimates for Phase 2. After Phase 1 delivery, Phase 2 is estimated in detail: final project projection is EUR 510K and 6 months. The scope has not changed, but understanding has deepened.
Tips for Learning and Applying
Communicate to stakeholders that early estimates will be refined — set expectations
Use progressive elaboration as a tool for managing uncertainty honestly
Refine estimates at natural checkpoints: phase gates, iteration boundaries
Document the confidence range of your estimates at each stage
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