GEOG 871
Geospatial Technology Project Management

Project Constraints

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Project Constraints

Inherent in the definition of a project are the constraints that will affect any project. These constraints reflect the key elements of our project definition:

  • It has a unique purpose and specific deliverables Scope constraints.
  • It is temporary, with specific dates associated with tasks and milestones Time constraints.
  • It requires staff time, money, and physical or technological assets (e.g., software, computer hardware, etc.)  Resource constraints.

The Scope constraints address project deliverable requirements and meeting the specifications (functionality, content, format, quality) associated with those deliverables or planned project results. The Time and Resource constraints set boundaries for planning and executing the work. These are often called the "triple constraints" of project management, and changing any one of these is sure to have an effect on the other two. A key ingredient in successful project management is carefully defining these constraints for each project and controlling any changes that may occur during the project. Of course, any of these constraints can be eased at any time by compromising the quality of the project. In this class, we will assume that this is not an option that we are anxious to explore!