IPA IP 2026 Question 38
A question IPA Japan published in 令和8年度 ITパスポート試験 公開問題 問38, translated into English. ITPEC is based on the same exams.
Which of the following is the most appropriate development model or technique to be used for the development of software whose requirements are clear and for which few specification changes are expected?
Explanation
Waterfall model — when the requirements are clear and stable, the phases can be done once each, in order, without going back.
The waterfall model carries out requirements definition, design, programming, testing and delivery in sequence, finishing and reviewing each phase before the next one starts. Returning to an earlier phase is costly, so it works best when the requirements are fixed from the start, as here. In exchange it gives a clear plan, clear deliverables per phase and easy progress control.
Answer (b)
Why not others:
- •(a) Agile development — releases working software in short iterations and welcomes changing requirements; its strength is where change is expected
- •(c) Spiral model — repeats design, prototyping and evaluation in cycles, assessing risk each time; suited to large systems with uncertain requirements
- •(d) Prototyping model — builds a trial version early so that users can confirm unclear requirements
Key rule: Clear, stable requirements: waterfall; unclear or changing requirements: prototyping, spiral or agile.
Software Development Management Techniques · AI-written, may contain errors
This question comes from the past questions IPA Japan publishes, translated into English by ITPEC Practice. ITPEC Practice is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with IPA or ITPEC. See the original paper (PDF) or Report an issue.