Timebox
A fixed time limit reserved for work, such as 1 week, 1 fortnight, 3 weeks, or 1 month, typically used to bound an iteration or activity.
Key Points
- The duration is set upfront and does not extend; the scope adapts to fit the time.
- Creates a predictable cadence for planning, tracking, and reviewing progress.
- Commonly applied to iterations, spikes, workshops, and meetings.
- Focuses teams on delivering the most valuable work within the limit.
Example
A Scrum team sets a 2-week timebox to build a login feature. When the two weeks end, the team stops development, demos what is done, and moves any unfinished items back to the backlog for future prioritization.
PMP Example Question
A team agrees to complete work in fixed 2-week intervals and will not extend the end date, even if some tasks are not finished. What practice are they using?
- Timebox
- WIP limit
- Rolling wave planning
- Critical path analysis
Correct Answer: A — Timebox
Explanation: A timebox is a predefined, non-extendable period (e.g., 1 week, 1 fortnight, 3 weeks, or 1 month) used to constrain work, often structuring an iteration.
