What are the primary constraints of project management often referred to as?

The primary constraints of project management are referred to as the triple constraint. This concept emphasizes the interrelationship between three core elements: scope, time, and cost. Changes in one element impact the others; for example, if the scope of a project increases, it typically requires more time and budget to accommodate these changes.

Understanding this relationship is vital for project managers as they strive to deliver the project successfully while balancing these competing demands. Recognizing that altering one of these constraints will likely affect the others helps project managers make informed decisions and maintain project viability.

While the terms project constraints, project triangle, and project limits may reference aspects related to project management, they do not capture the specific framework that defines the critical nature of these three elements in the context of successful project execution. The term "triple constraint" is widely used in project management literature and practice, reinforcing its significance in the field.