Assumptions and Constraints

Closed Posted Feb 2, 2015 Paid on delivery
Closed Paid on delivery

Project Management Articles

Project-Speak: Assumptions and Constraints

Few projects begin with absolute certainty. If we had

to wait for absolute certainty, most projects would

never get off the ground. As projects are planned and

executed, some facts and issues are known, others

must be estimated. Estimation is an art, with many fine points to finesse between certainty and wishful

thinking. You can't just hope you have the resources

you need to do the job, and you can't wait until

every resource is available to begi

n. You have to manage and mitiga

te using informed assumptions and

constraints.

Assumptions and constraints form the basis for project planning, filling in the gaps between known

proven facts and total guesswork. Each assumpti

on is an "educated guess", a likely condition,

circumstance or event, presumed known and true in the

absence of absolute certainty. Each constraint is

a limiting condition, circumstance or event, sett

ing boundaries for the proj

ect process and expected

results. Once identified, these assumptions and co

nstraints shape a project in specific, but diverging

ways - assumptions bring possibilities

, and constraints bring limits

. Consider this example:

A defined budget is a fact. i.e. $10,000 has

been allocated to complete a given project.

The belief that the budget is sufficient to complete the project on time and as required is an

assumption. This assumption should not be a gu

ess. It should be the result of a planned,

verified budget estimate.

The need to modify deliverables and adapt the sc

hedule to suit the budget is a constraint.

The chart below further illustrates th

ese similarities and distinctions:

Assumptions

Constraints

Characteristics

Condition, circumstance or event.

Condition, circumstance or event.

Impact

Allow the project to proceed. Rest

rict and limit project execution.

Process

Must be analyzed and monitored to ensure

validity and relevancy as the project

proceeds.

Must be identified and incorporated into the

project plan to ensure that the plan is

realistic.

From initiation to closure, assumptions and constraint

s set the stage for project planning and execution.

As the project is planned, assumptions and constraint

s will be used to define and shape tasks, schedules,

resource assignments and budget allocations. As such

, each is used to manage an otherwise uncertain

future, laying out a roadmap for how the project will proceed.

Article Writing

Project ID: #7072328

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1 proposal Remote project Active Mar 11, 2015