Constraints

A project that does not have constraints is not a project. Occasionally constraints may render a project unfeasible. Ensure that the constraints are fully recognised and understood as early as possible. Most constraints can be overcome by forward planning and a logical approach.

Decide whether to proceed with the given constraints

If you can work within the constraints of what currently exist and the alternative would incur cost or time penalties that would place the project towards greater risk, then don't change anything.

Always examine resource limitations and make sure your budget can work within them.

Assess whether time is of the essence

Identify external constraints such as legal or environmental which are much further from the projects control.

Look for compromises as an alternative to failure. Could existing processes or resources help? For example, other departments may be utilising the same resource before, during or after your need or in the same area. Perhaps you could capitalise on this (opportunity). Do you really need to provide a bespoke " novel" design? Would a similar tried and tested method be that much different? When put to the challenge its usually the tried and tested which gets the tick.

Its rarely a good idea to start from scratch, no matter how appealing that may seem.