HKSM

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?

1. Timebox
2. WIP limit
3. Rolling wave planning
4. 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.