The Triple (Or Quadruple) Constraint Is One of the Most Important Concepts in Project

The triple (or quadruple) constraint is one of the most important concepts in project management. Do you feel that one of these constraints is always more important than the others? If you were an IT consultant, what strategies would you take in determining your client's priorities in terms of the four elements of the constraint?

The triple constraint is a very important aspect which includes Cost, Time, and Scope. The three components are interrelated to one another. One can think of this concept as a cause and effect relationship. If one component is changed, the other two are affected. Another component which can be added is the concept of Quality. This leaves you with four distinct topics to take into consideration.
*Quality
*Cost
*Scope
*Time

With that in mind, my belief is that the most important concept in the triple constraint is cost. Reason being that, yes we all know quality is extremely important as well as scope and time, without the correct amount of funding certain projects cannot proceed. Another concept is that without enough funding, the project cannot assign a team large enough to meet the deadline for the project or to properly attaining the scope or quality for a project.
If I were an IT consultant I would:
1. Set up a meeting with myself and the client
2. Show a brief overview of the triple constraint to the client
3. From this determine what more imporant to the client is: Time, Cost, Quality, or Scope.
4. Once a determination is made explain to the client what steps the project team will take to resolve this.
5. Have the client describe exactly what is wanted out of this project.
6. Adjourn meeting and create a timeline for the team as to what needs to be done and when.
7. Work with the project team on a daily basis, holding meetings to determine the progress of the project.
8. Continue meeting with the client, possible virtually or via telephone, to give status reports.
9. Compile the progress of the group and the final solution then prepare for presentation to the client.
10. Fix and problems that the client may have by meeting with the team.
11. Finalize the project.
12. Present the adjusted project to the client.

It is vital to keep the lines of communication open within the team and within yourself and the client. Relay messages received from the client to the team immediately so that necessary changes may be made.

Management wishing to further their knowledge of project management can visit: This web page contains valuable resources that help managers apply the concepts of the triple constraint. Also, if managers are interested in learned new guidelines that are proposed or enacted both nationally and globally, they can visit of these websites are dedicated to the further education of project management.