Which of the following statements does not describe the phases of the ADM?

The statement indicating that each phase of the Architecture Development Method (ADM) is mandatory does not accurately describe the phases. TOGAF emphasizes that while the ADM phases are integral elements of the architecture process, they can be tailored and adapted based on the specific needs of the organization or the project. This flexibility allows architects to skip or combine phases, depending on the context, so they are not strictly mandatory.

In contrast, the other statements accurately reflect the characteristics of the ADM. The cyclical nature of the phases acknowledges that the ADM is designed to be revisited and refined as necessary, which is essential for adaptive architecture development. The iterative aspect allows for continuous improvement and refocusing as new information is gathered throughout the process. Each phase does contribute to refining the overall architecture scope, which is key for ensuring that the final architecture meets business goals effectively.