1.1 Definition of a Project

A project can be defined as:

a group of activities,

arranged in a certain sequence or relationship,

to achieve a specific objective, within a limited time and budget.

Projects have a definable start and end points:

a project starts when approval is granted for work to proceed to the initial stage and

ends when the objectives are achieved.

Despite the fact that each project has its own scope, most projects share the following common features:

Clear objectives.

A fixed budget and time scale.

A team of people.

1.1 Definition of a Project

Uncertainty.

Uniqueness.

The Triple Constraint

The triple constraint of project management is defined as: the scope, Time and cost, where;

The scope is the specified requirements in order to achieve the end result.

The time is the time needed to finish off the project.

The cost is the budget of the project.

The triple constraint can be represented by a triangular model (see Figure 1.1)

Each corner of the triangle accounts for one constraint.

If one of the triple constraints is changed, then one or both of the other constraints will be affected.

1.1 Definition of a Project

Example: to improve the project time (finish early), this may result in an increase in project cost (pay for overtime).