Managing Projects with Unrealistic Deadlines

One of the most frustrating challenges for project managers is attempting to manage a project with an unrealistic deadline, especially if the date seems arbitrary. This excellent and insightful article from TenStep, Inc. (note the link to view the PDF version) explores several approaches one can take to deal with this common problem, including:

• Using the triple constraint of time, scope, and cost to make the case for adding time, reducing scope, or adding resources/cost if appropriate
• Pointing out the risks early and managing risks tightly
• Considering reducing the scope
• Aggressively monitoring the schedule and raising issues immediately
• Involving the sponsor in offering ideas for meeting the date
• Exploring other project approaches or methods that may shorten the time
  
  Read the article below for more details.
  
  Managing Projects with Unrealistic Deadlines