Whether you are a first-time project manager or a veteran, the Project Management Triangle is a critical concept in successfully managing a project.
The Project Management Triangle is made up of the three basic dimensions of a project—Time, Scope, and Resources (which can also be thought of as the Cost of the project).
If you recall in geometry, the Pythagorean Theorem states that a squared plus b squared equals c squared. Using this formula, given the length of any two sides of a right triangle, you can calculate the length of the third side. Stated more simply, two of the three sides can vary, but the third side is a function of the other two sides.
The Project Management Triangle Rule, like the Pythagorean Theorem, states that only two sides can be dictated; the other side is simply an outcome of the other two. This means that for a project to be successful, the client (external or internal) can only be allowed to dictate two of the three dimensions. Failure to abide by his Rule nearly always results in a project that is not deemed successful by the parties involved.
Let’s use the Project Management Triangle to discuss some common situations experienced by a Project Manager and see how this concept helps with understanding the challenges created when this rule is not followed.
Violating the Project Management Triangle Rule
Let’s say that a client approaches the company with a new project. The sales team works with the client to understand the detailed requirements of a new product they would like to have the company develop. This sets the Scope line of the triangle.
After the Scope is defined, the sales team solicits input from the operations team that will be responsible for delivering the final product to the client. The Operations team reviews the Scope and determines the Resources needed and the associated Time based on those Resources.
In essence, the team has set the Resources side of the triangle, and the Time side is an outcome of the other two sides—Scope and Resources. The Sales team creates a proposal that summarizes the Project Triangle—the Scope of the project, the Time it will take, and the Resources that will be required (i.e., project cost).
When the client reviews the proposal, they are disappointed with the length of Time it will take—the Time side of the triangle is too long for their needs; however, they want Resources (cost) to be the same. Using the Project Management Triangle graphic, this is what the client is asking for.
The client is now trying to dictate all three sides of the triangle, which violates the Rule and creates a gap on the Time side. If the company agrees to this revision, the likelihood of a successful project (meaning both parties are pleased with the outcome) is low. One of three outcomes will occur:
The company will have to commit additional resources to get the project done on time and on scope.
The project scope will be completed but will not be completed within the desired Time.
The Time and Resources sides will be met, but the Scope completed will be less than desired.
Only through negotiating with the client to determine which two sides are the most important—leaving flexibility for the third side to be calculated based on the other three inputs—will the Rule be followed, and the project set up for success.
Unfortunately, there is no universal formula like the Pythagorean Theorem that precisely calculates the missing side in the Project Management Triangle. However, the idea that Project Management is like a Right Triangle—where only two sides can be variables while the third side is a result of the other two—is a visual way to consider the balancing act that is fundamental to successful project management.
Projects routinely fail because the Project Management Triangle Rule is ignored—a client is allowed to dictate all three sides. As a Project Manager, make sure you consider and respect the Project Management Triangle; adhering to its rules is one key component to your success.
The concepts from this article were taken from Strong Management Team: Leading with a shared vision and common language. Available through The ReWild Group and Amazon, the book explores this and other concepts in-depth while providing illustrations to help business leaders incorporate the ideas into their organizations. Get your copy today to start benefiting from a Strong Management Team in your company.