You are the project manager of a research project.

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.