Which of the following are included in the triple constraint? (Check all that apply)

What is triple constraint theory in project management?

The triple constraint theory may sound complicated, but it’s really pretty simple.

Let’s start with a definition. The triple constraint theory in project management says every project operates within the boundaries of scope, time, and cost. A change in one factor will invariably affect the other two.

For example, if a client wants to add a bunch of new features to the project’s scope, they’ll have to budget more time and money to get ‘er done. Or if your boss slashes your project budget, you’ll need to scale back the project requirements.

In other words, it’s all about trade-offs. As project manager, it’s your job to balance these triple constraints and manage expectations so everyone understands what it takes to achieve project success.

The project management triangle

The triple constraint theory is often referred to as the project management triangle. Each side or point of the triangle represents the triple constraints of project management: scope, time, and cost.

Let’s dig a little deeper into each project constraint.

Triple constraint: Scope

Scope creep has a funny way of sneaking up on you. Before you know it, “just one more thing” has turned into a completely different project deliverable.

That’s why it’s important to define—and document—project goals and requirements before work begins. That way everyone knows what “done” looks like, and you have a project truth to refer back to if the scope starts to creep.  

Adding more features can stretch a project’s time and budget constraints. You’ll either need to extend the deadline or assign more people to the work, increasing project costs. Monitoring scope changes enables you to discuss trade-offs early and make necessary adjustments before your project gets off course.

Triple constraint: Time (schedule)

In project management, most folks know, if you want a project done fast, it’s gonna cost you—especially if you’re not willing to bend on the scope. That’s because a short deadline requires more resources to get the work done on time.

A detailed scope document provides the perfect foundation for understanding your project’s time constraint because you can use it to build out a project estimate. Be sure to bring your team into the discussion and look beyond task hours. The time you spend in meetings or holding a stakeholder’s hand through the process counts too.

The more accurate your estimate, the better. After all, it’s what you’ll use to schedule work and drive project decisions if tough choices need to be made to meet the project deadline.

Triple constraint: Cost (budget)

Estimating a project’s time and effort also forms the basis for your project budget. Here are a few costs to consider when formulating a project budget:

• Resource costs, based on estimated hours (or story points in Agile)
• Materials
• Equipment
  

When it comes to budget constraints, remember, it’s best to communicate early and often. No one likes being surprised by a big bill (or the tense conversation that inevitably follows).

If an unexpected expense pops up, take time to explain how it will impact the rest of your project, and let your client decide whether or not it’s worth the extra dough. Your client isn’t a project expert and may not realize how much that shiny new feature will cost them in the end.

How to use triple constraint

Triple constraint theory is all well and good. But how do you put this project management framework into practice?

It’s all about keeping your eye on the ball. Here are a few ideas on how to use the triple constraint theory to manage a project, using our favorite project management tool as an example. 😊

Communicate scope to your team

Keeping the nitty-gritty scope details all to yourself doesn’t do anyone any favors. Using TeamGantt’s sticky note feature to outline scope requirements on the task or project level not only ensures your team has crystal-clear direction. It also empowers them to raise a flag if they see the scope start to creep.

Set and track deadlines

A gantt chart makes it easy to build and monitor your timeline to ensure your project finishes on schedule. Add milestones to highlight important dates and deliverables, and use baselines to compare your planned vs. actual timeline as your project progresses.

Want a quick snapshot of project delays? TeamGantt’s Project Health Report shows you which tasks are falling behind and which ones are already overdue.

Monitor resource costs

Time is money in any project. Paying attention to how the time spent stacks up against your estimate helps you keep project costs in check. TeamGantt’s hourly estimation and time tracking tools enable you to compare a task’s actual vs. estimated hours and see how the time spent tracks against the percentage complete. That way you can spot budget overages before they become a problem.

Watch this video to see how tracking actual vs. estimated time works in TeamGantt:

Be a triple-threat project manager

If you want to win at project management, you’ve got to be a pro at wrangling scope, time, and cost. With TeamGantt, it’s easy to balance project constraints so everyone’s happy with the outcome.

You’ll have all the features you need to ensure projects finish on time and under budget, including:

• Drag and drop simplicity
• Easy team collaboration
• Customizable views
• Team availability & workload management
• Planned timeline vs. actual timeline
• Dedicated mobile app

Best of all, it’s all wrapped up in a simple and intuitive interface anyone can navigate.

Give TeamGantt a free try today!

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Which of the following is not part of the triple constraint of project?

Which of the following best describes the triple constraint?

Which of the triple constraints do you think is the most important?

Which of the following is not one of the three primary constraints under which every project should work?