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Project Management, Project Planning, Templates and Advice

Essential Microsoft Project: The 20% You Need to Know
  • Concise, focused guide that cuts through the clutter
  • Step-by-step instructions for creating a project plan in under a day
  • Master essential skills like work breakdowns and task sequencing
  • Real-world troubleshooting for 20 common scheduling challenges
  • Rapidly get up to speed if you're new to Microsoft Project
  • Includes glossary, support resources, and sample plans
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What does Assumption mean in Project Management?

by | reviewed 2023-08-19

Assumption

Assumptions are factors that, for planning purposes, are considered to be true, real, or certain without proof or demonstration. Assumptions affect all aspects of project planning, and are part of the progressive elaboration of the project. Project teams frequently identify, document, and validate assumptions as part of their planning process. Assumptions generally involve a degree of risk.
Assumptions meaning and definition in Project Management

Why you need to record your Assumptions

An assumption is something that is assumed to be true, but not proven or known to be true. For example an assumption that:
  • a person with a particular skill will available
  • materials will be available at a particular cost
  • equipment will be available on a certain date
  • an estimated duration for a an activity is correct
It is important to check assumptions because if they are found to be incorrect they can cause delays, additional cost and impact project quality. You can use an Assumptions Log to record the project assumptions and constraints.

Download an Assumptions Template [FREE]

 

What does Activity mean in project management?
A - Acceptance Criteria to Authority

See all project management words

Methodology specific dictionaries / glossaries