Constraint

Definition

Constraint in plain English

On the PMP, labels are traps if you only memorize them. Constraint is a decision tool: it tells you what to notice, what to ignore, and which next move is legal for the situation on the stem. Hold onto this precise job description: A limiting factor that affects the execution of a project, program, portfolio, or process. On a stem, name whether Constraint is about timing, ownership, measurement, or delivery style — then eliminate the answer that borrows a cousin concept from the wrong phase.

Related Project Management Professional terms

• Variance at Completion (VAC)
• Capacity (adaptive)
• Accepted deliverables
• Activity
• Adaptive life cycle
• ADKAR Change Model
• Design of Experiments (DOE)
• Definition of Done (DoD)
• Analogous estimating
• Angoff method