Project Objectives and Impediments in Adaptive Approaches

PMBOK v8 Definition

An impediment is defined as "an obstacle that prevents the team from achieving its objectives. Also known as a blocker." Project objectives are the specific goals that define what the project must accomplish to be considered successful. In adaptive approaches, "a clear vision is established at the start of the project, and the initial known requirements are progressively elaborated, changed, or replaced in accordance with stakeholder feedback, the environment, or unexpected events."

Why It Matters for the Exam

This concept appears frequently in PMI exam questions about team performance, agile practices, and risk response. You will see it in situational questions where a team cannot complete work—the correct answer involves identifying and removing impediments. It also appears in questions distinguishing between issues, risks, and impediments.

Key Points to Remember (for the exam)

• Definition Precision: An impediment is specifically an obstacle that prevents the team from achieving objectives—not just slows them down
• Common Synonym: The PMBOK explicitly states "also known as a blocker"—both terms are tested
• Team Responsibility: In adaptive approaches, the team (often with a Scrum Master) is responsible for removing impediments
• Distinction from Issues: An issue is "a current condition or situation that may have an impact on one or more objectives"—an impediment is a specific type of issue that blocks progress entirely
• Adaptive Context: Impediments are most commonly discussed in adaptive/agile projects where requirements evolve through iterations
• Iteration Impact: Impediments discovered during an iteration must be resolved to maintain the team's velocity and deliver increments
• Stakeholder Feedback: Requirements can change based on stakeholder feedback, which may create new impediments

Typical PMI Exam Example

A project team using an adaptive approach is in the middle of Iteration 2. The team discovers that a key software library they need is unavailable due to licensing restrictions. This prevents them from completing the user story they are working on. What is the correct term for this situation? Answer: An impediment (blocker).

PMI Exam Traps

• Trap: Confusing impediment with risk Reality: A risk is uncertain and may or may not occur; an impediment is currently blocking the team

• Trap: Thinking impediments only apply to predictive projects Reality: Impediments are specifically defined in the adaptive/agile context and are a core concept in iterative approaches

• Trap: Calling any difficulty an impediment Reality: Only obstacles that prevent achievement of objectives qualify—minor delays or challenges are issues, not impediments

• Trap: Assuming the project manager alone removes impediments Reality: In adaptive approaches, the entire team works to remove impediments; the role may be facilitated by a Scrum Master

Important PMI Connections

Quick Review Questions

1. What is the exact PMBOK v8 definition of an impediment?
2. How does an impediment differ from a risk in project management?
3. In an adaptive approach, who is primarily responsible for removing impediments?
4. What is the relationship between an impediment and an iteration?
5. If a team can still complete their objectives but with extra effort, is this an impediment? Why or why not?

PMBOK v8 Reference

Section 4.2.2 - Adaptive Approaches (The definition of impediment appears in the glossary/terminology section of PMBOK v8 related to adaptive development approaches)