Project Management Constraints & Methods

Project Constraints

Overview: Management directly or indirectly sets the priority of each constraint. This prioritization is used to plan the project, evaluate the impact of changes, and prove successful project completion.

It is important to evaluate the effect a change to one constraint has on another. Changes to the project plan generally impact multiple constraints.

Take time to really understand the discussion of integrated change control in the “Integration” chapter. Understanding the relationship between the constraints and how they impact a project can help you get several questions right on the exam.

Frequently Used Methods

Overview: There are over 100 tools and techniques in the PMBOK Guide, and many more discussed in related materials. It’s important to use the right method for the right purpose under the right conditions.

Methods can have multiple applications throughout the project management process. You don’t need to be an expert, but you must understand the purpose of each method.

Data Gathering

Purpose: Collect input from stakeholders using the following methods:

Benchmarking
Cost of Quality
Brainstorming
Interviews
Prompt Lists
Market Research
Checklists
Questionnaires and Surveys
Check Sheet

Data Analysis

Purpose: Analyze data based on type and depth required, using methods like:

Alternative Analysis
Forecasting
Assumptions and Constraints
Performance Reviews
Business Justification Analysis
Reserve Analysis
Payback Period
Root Cause Analysis
Internal Rate of Return
Simulation
SWOT
Return on Investment
Trend Analysis
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Value Stream Mapping
Decision Tree Analysis
Variance Analysis
Document Analysis
What-If Analysis
Earned Value Analysis
Expected Monetary Value

Data Representation

Purpose: Transform data into information for communication, using methods like:

Affinity Diagrams
Probability and Impact Matrices
Cause-and-Effect Diagrams
Release Maps
Control Charts
Scatter Diagrams
Flowcharts
Stakeholder Engagement Assessment Matrices
Hierarchical Charts
Stakeholder Mapping/Representation
Histograms
Text-Oriented Formats
Logical Data Models
Matrix Diagrams/Charts
Mind Mapping