Essential Business English for Project Teams
Mastering the vocabulary for managing Scope, Time, and Cost.
The core concept in project management is the Triple Constraint (the "Iron Triangle"). This model says every project must balance three key variables: Scope, Time, and Cost.
Scope defines the project's features and deliverables. Time is the schedule, including the Critical Path and the final deadline. Cost is the budget, which helps determine the project's Baseline (the approved plan).
A change to one variable must change at least one other. For example, if a client demands more Scope<("Scope Creep"), you must either increase the Cost (hire more people) or increase the Time (extend the deadline).
The centre point, Quality, is affected by all three. Cutting corners on Time or Cost to maintain Scope often leads to a drop in Quality and risks the final Deliverable.
Key to successful project delivery is continuous risk assessment and transparent communication with all stakeholders.
Match the key project management term to its correct definition. (Watch for the correct match color changes!)
Select the best word/phrase to fill the gaps in the following conversation between a Project Manager (PM) and a Client. (7 Gaps, 7 Words)
Client: I've just had an idea—can we add a live analytics dashboard to the final ?
PM: That sounds valuable, but it's a significant scope addition. We need to be mindful of the **Triple **; a change in scope automatically impacts time or cost. Adding that will push our current back by two weeks.
Client: Two weeks is too long. What if we stick to the original deadline, but use less expensive software licenses?
PM: That poses a major **** to quality, as those licenses may not meet the security requirements. I recommend we **** the entire schedule and discuss the updated **** with all the key **** before we proceed.
You have successfully completed the core vocabulary of the **Triple Constraint** lesson. Keep practicing!