Unrealistic Constraints

Warning signs

Rate how often each statement is true of the project today. 0 = Never, 4 = Almost Always.

1. WS1.Project deadlines are established before requirements, dependencies, technical complexity, or delivery feasibility are fully understood.
   0Never1Rarely2Sometimes3Often4Almost Always
2. WS2.Estimates are adjusted to match desired dates rather than reflecting the actual effort, complexity, and work required.
   0Never1Rarely2Sometimes3Often4Almost Always
3. WS3.Project budgets reflect available funding rather than the actual resources and effort required to successfully deliver the intended outcomes.
   0Never1Rarely2Sometimes3Often4Almost Always
4. WS4.Scope expands while schedule and budget remain fixed, creating unrealistic expectations for delivery.
   0Never1Rarely2Sometimes3Often4Almost Always
5. WS5.Resource assumptions depend on unrealistic availability, skill levels, capacity, or sustained peak performance to make the timeline appear achievable.
   0Never1Rarely2Sometimes3Often4Almost Always
6. WS6.Risks that challenge fixed deadlines, budgets, or delivery assumptions are minimized, suppressed, or excluded to preserve the existing plan.
   0Never1Rarely2Sometimes3Often4Almost Always