Rescue the Problem Project

CHAPTER5

DeterminingTimeline Constraints

“You may delay, but time will not.”

—Benjamin Franklin, American Statesman,Poor Richard’s Almanack

The project is red. The two factors that raise a red flag to management are cost and timeline. The two are inextricably intertwined. As the timeline extends, there is a commensurate increase in cost; similarly, as cost goes up (usually from increased scope), the timeline lengthens. The recovery manager must look at each attribute separately and determine the root problems.

Confirming the Project’s Triple Constraints

Customers define triple constraints to convey the relative importance of schedule, budget, and scope. Many factors can change the triple constraints, including any negotiation between the customer ...