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However, this must not exceed the requirements from the customer. All project managers want to achieve the premier level of quality as possible. When aiming for a better quality than the intentional both time and cost must increase. The quality is measured by defined requirements. The quality stands for the value of the result at the end of the project. The cost can be redefined throughout the project. All project managers appeal to execute the cheapest project as possible. Though, if the cost is lowered, the quality is decreased, whilst the time must increase to reach the intended scope. However, occasions for lowering the cost can likewise appear. Many uncertainties can affect the cost of the project, which often leads to overspending. A project must be reasonable, thus an estimation of budget, needed resources and human hours are executed. The cost is the budget and the resources used throughout the project. Deadlines will be exposed and new will emerge. The timetable will often be reconsidered many times during a project. The desire about time, is to have the shortest project as possible. If the time is being shortening, the quality is decreased, and the cost must raise to reach the proposed scope.
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All projects must be delivered within a timeframe, and it must be evaluated whether it is realistic to deliver a task in the defined time. The time is the plan, schedule and the deadlines operating as boundaries for the project. To the right, the Iron Triangle with a fourth pillar. The Iron Triangle, to the left, with the three ground pillars. The three ground pillars all contribute to the boundaries of the tasks towards the scope. Some editions of the model have positioned Scope in the middle as illustrated in the second figure. The Iron Triangle is usually illustrated with the three ground pillars at each vertices of the triangle, as illustrated in the figure below. However, a large amount of literature specify that there are many factors affecting the conclusion of success of a project whilst other elements affect the success of the management. The three constraints have been commonly acknowledged as a success criteria and tool in project management. The links between time, cost and quality has been identified as strong and decidedly connected contrary Scope, Performance, or Requirements. However, the model often returns to its original form as TCQ. The quality aspect of the model is more discussed, and over time the third factor has been replaced by Scope, Performance, or Requirements. In project management time and cost are highly dependent and linked directly to handling and planning of a project. The Iron Triangle is a model based on three constraints, time, cost and quality, which create a frame for project management and a path towards a successful result.
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As a conclusion on the article, the limitations of the model will be presented. This article will present the definition of the three ground pillars, their dependence and the application of the model in project management. Thus, the model has limitations as a project’s success cannot be managed by only three boundaries, but the Iron Triangle can be used as guideline concerning project management. All projects are unique and complex and must be managed individually. However, many projects do not success within the constraints set for time, budget and quality. The model is used in project management to plan and deliver a project. “ The goal of the model is to maintain the focus of the triple constraint power structure on the project higher purpose.” The usage of the Iron Triangle can be defined as the quote express : The triangle is an overall simple model to positioning the project between the three different variables all important to consider when aiming for a good final result. The Iron Triangle demonstrates the dependence of the ground pillars, as they are dependent resources with a pin-point approximation of the focus of the project. However, all projects operate within constraints set to fulfil the overall given task. When aiming for a successful project it would be optimal if there were no restrictions to especially the period and economical aspect, to deliver the highest quality when ending the project.
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In some models, a fourth pillar is included, the Scope. The definition and formulation of the model and its ground pillars change according to sources. Traditionally, a project has been perceived as a success, when being able to deliver within time, cost and quality. The Iron Triangle for project management, also called The Magic Triangle or The Project Triangle, is a tool illustrating the ground pillars when carrying out a project time, cost and quality (TCQ).
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