03/01/2025

Applying the Production Triangle to Career Development for Informed Decision-Making

By Leslie Ferrari

The Production Triangle: A Potential Model for Career Planning

The Production Triangle, also called the “triple constraint” or “iron triangle” (Atkinson, 1999), is a concept frequently utilized in production and project management fields (Project Management Institute, 2004). It provides a framework for considering the interrelatedness of three important aspects of successful project management (time, cost, and scope) and how they impact the quality of the work. It is often described as "good, fast, or cheap - pick two" because the concept suggests that one of these aspects must be sacrificed in order to accomplish the other two successfully (Van Wyngaard, 2012). For example, if a project is completed quickly and at a low cost, quality may suffer. If quality and affordability are prioritized, the timeline may need to be extended. As many of life’s undertakings can qualify as “projects”, this model has utility in copious realms.

The same principle can be applied to career and education planning where individuals must often choose between time (quick employment or fast-tracked education), cost (lower tuition costs or immediate earnings), and scope (selecting a highly regarded institution or a prestigious job title). Understanding these trade-offs allows individuals to make informed decisions that align with their long-term career goals and personal values. By applying the triple constraint model, career development practitioners can help their clients to develop realistic strategies that balance short-term needs with future aspirations, leading to more satisfying and sustainable career paths.

The Production Triangle’s Use in Career Development

1. Managing Client Priorities

The Production Triangle can help clients and career development practitioners determine the trade-offs involved in career choices and priorities. Clients may enter sessions desiring immediate, high-quality results at a minimal cost. For example, a recent graduate might want a high-paying job that offers career advancement without any investment of additional time into additional training. In this case, where expectations might not be realistic, the career development practitioner could introduce the Production Triangle to help the client see the interrelatedness of earnings, job “quality”, and time. This approach might help a client to understand that achieving all three goals at once is unlikely. The career development practitioner could then take a different approach and find out what the client’s top two desired outcomes are. If the client wants to secure a job quickly, the practitioner can show, through the Production Triangle, that they may have to compromise on income or job prestige. This exercise can guide clients toward making choices that highlight their own values, resources, and long-term goals.

2. Pursuing Education

A client may need to consider pursuing education and/or skill-building to qualify for certain jobs. When doing so, the Production Triangle can help them determine the balance between tuition costs, time to completion, and degree or certification earned. They may want to find programs or certifications that are affordable, short-term, and yet highly regarded by employers. However, achieving all three of these elements may be unrealistic. A high-quality degree or certification program may be eye-catching on a resume but could be expensive and require a substantial time commitment. A free online course might be easily taken from home and affordable but may not carry the same weight with employers as a high-level degree.

The work of the career development practitioner can focus on guiding clients in evaluating these options. Clients who prioritize quality and speed might look into intensive workshops, which could carry a higher price tag but deliver certifications on a shorter timeline. When a client’s budget is limited, they may need to consider free, asynchronous programs, which could take more time to complete but may be a more realistic portal to adding valuable skills to a resume.

3. Job Search/Career Transition Applications

A client may want a prestigious (scope), well-compensated (money) position within a short timeline (time) and might not be willing to pay for training or to relocate. Applying the Production Triangle here could help the client see that this is the equivalent of “good, fast and cheap.” Even in the best job market, aligning those three opportunities may prove impossible. The Production Triangle would help prioritize two of the three.

The client that absolutely needs a new job quickly may need to compromise on location or pay scale, especially when transitioning into a new field. If the client can afford to take the time to do a longer search while tracking down their dream job, they may be able to use a more discerning approach and put more weight on location or pay. A career development practitioner can lean on the Production Triangle to help the client manage expectations.

4. Career Advancement

The Production Triangle can help provide perspective for long-term career planning. A client who can devote the time to pursue higher education or high-level professional development programs may see results in the greater number of available opportunities , but the financial investment could be substantial. However, a client wishing to become an executive may need to prioritize higher-level education and networking instead of immediately entering the workforce and making a salary.

Alternatively, those career-seekers for whom affordability is the highest priority may need to strategically utilize opportunities in the organization for which they first work, meaning a slower trajectory but more immediate financial gain. By working with the Production Triangle, the practitioner teaches a client to evaluate the trade-offs for each option. This approach allows the client to strategize both for the realities of the current moment and their long-term career goals given their resources.

Empowering Clients with Realistic Career Planning

Utilizing the Production Triangle, career development practitioners help clients set their intrinsic priorities, develop realistic expectations and make informed decisions regarding their education, job search, and career objectives. Recognizing necessary trade-offs empowers clients to take ownership of their choices and balance aspirations with real-world constraints. This approach empowers clients to navigate their career journey with purpose and confidence, knowing they have made informed choices that align with their personal and professional values.

References

Atkinson, R., & Department of Information Systems, The Business School, Bournemouth University. (1999). Project management: cost, time and quality, two best guesses and a phenomenon, its time to accept other success criteria. International Journal of Project Management, 17–17(6), 337–342.

Project Management Institute. (2004). A guide to the project management body of knowledge: (PMBOK Guide).

Van Wyngaard, C. J., Pretorius, J. H. C., & Pretorius, L. (2012). Theory of the triple constraint; A conceptual review. IEEE International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management. https://doi.org/10.1109/ieem.2012.6838095

Leslie Ferrari, MA, NCC, LAPC (PA), BCC, CFEI, is a 2024 graduate of Rider University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and recipient of Rider’s James P. Murphy Humanistic Counseling Award. Her BA is in Theater from Franklin & Marshall College. She previously worked as a production stage manager for both Broadway and off-Broadway productions and served on the faculty of Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts as assistant professor and director of the stage management program. Leslie is currently completing her certification as a Certified Career Services Provider. She can be reached at leslielferrari@gmail.com.