You are the project manager of a research project. Because much of the project work will be
based on what is discovered in each stage of the project work, you are directing the project time to
focus on creating time estimates for the most imminent research work and broad estimates for the
project work that is coming later in the project. What type of planning are you using in this project?

A.
Milestone planning

B.
Rolling wave planning

C.
Phase gates

D.
Decomposition

Explanation:
This is an example of rolling wave planning. Rolling wave planning focuses on the most imminent
work in detail and creates estimates for the whole project and later work in broad estimates.
Rolling wave planning is a form of progressive elaboration. Rolling wave planning is a technique
for performing progressive elaboration planning where the work to be accomplished in the near
future is planned in detail at a low level of the work breakdown structure. The work to be
performed within another one or two reporting periods in the near future is planned in detail as
work is being completed during the current period.
Answer option D is incorrect. Decomposition describes the breakdown of the project scope into
work packages, and then the work packages are broken down into project activities.
Answer option C is incorrect. Phase gates describe the review process associated with the end of
project phases.
Answer option A is incorrect. Milestone planning defines the project milestones, not the activities
required to reach the milestones.