A hybrid approach combines elements of predictive and adaptive ways of working within the same project. A team might, for example, plan and control high-certainty parts of the work predictively while delivering uncertain, evolving parts in short iterations.
Hybrid is often the pragmatic reality: few projects are purely plan-driven or purely agile. The PMBOK Guide (8th edition) treats the choice of approach as a matter of tailoring, selecting the blend that best fits the project’s context, risk and stakeholders.
Related: predictive approach, adaptive approach, tailoring.
Last updated: 4 July 2026 · By Tom, PMP-certified since 2004