Triple Constraint

Triple Constraint 

Triple Constraint is a phrase used in project management to indicate that most projects have three interrelated boundary constraints: scope or results boundary, schedule or time boundary, and resource or budget and staff boundary.

When to use

. The Triple Constraint boundaries should be identified at the beginning of the project.  These constraints are then used to guide planning and risk management decisions.  They are also used to direct the communication with stakeholders since the stakeholders typically set the triple constraint boundaries. In addition, they are used for risk thresholds when doing risk management planning and tracking.

Instructions

Triple Constraint is a phrase used in project management to indicate that most projects have three interrelated boundary constraints: scope or results boundary, schedule or time boundary, and resource or budget and staff boundary.  These constraints are often related to project goals of fast, right, and cheap.  The boundary constraints of scope, schedule, and resources are often shown as three sides of a triangle with the project activity inside the triangle (constraints).

The scope constraint is based on the project deliverables and the expected quality level of those deliverables. The deliverables are the result of the project. The schedule constraint is both the start and finish point for the project. In addition, a project may have schedule constraints concerning tasks that must be done sequentially or in parallel.  The resource constraint is a combination of money, people, and equipment or facilities needed to do the work.

The three constraints are related. Changing scope will likely impact the time and required resources on the project. In the same way, changing time or resources may impact what scope can be accomplished and what quality level can be achieved.

Definition

Project:  “A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service or result.” PMBOK® Guide

This definition is taken from the Glossary of the Project Management Institute, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition, Project Management Institute, Inc., 2021.

Hints & tips

• The constraints are inter-connected. When scope is impacted, it often creates the need for different resources and the availability of these impacts the schedule.