Under what circumstances are predictive approaches in business analysis more likely to be preferred?

Predictive approaches in business analysis are particularly favored when requirements can be clearly defined ahead of implementation. This is because predictive methodologies, such as the Waterfall model, rely on a sequenced and planned approach where all requirements are gathered and specified upfront. This allows for extensive planning and scheduling, which can lead to a more predictable outcome in terms of budget and timelines.

In scenarios where the requirements are well understood and unlikely to change significantly throughout the project lifecycle, predictive strategies can help ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget. This approach minimizes uncertainty and enables teams to establish a clear path toward project completion, reducing the risk of scope creep and unexpected costs.

Environments with frequently changing requirements or complex stakeholder dynamics benefit more from adaptive or agile methodologies, which can respond to changes iteratively. Therefore, a predictive approach is less effective in those contexts. By emphasizing upfront clarity in requirements, organizations can reap the benefits of structured planning, making option A the most suitable choice.