Exception
Official Definition:
A situation where it is forecast that project tolerances will be exceeded.
Layman’s Definition:
When something is predicted to be going so far off plan that it's about to break the rules (budget, time, quality), it becomes an Exception — and must be escalated.
Examples:
• IT: A security flaw that could delay release by 3 weeks, breaching the time tolerance.
• Construction: Unforeseen underground pipes that could push costs £100k over the agreed budget.
• Education: A third-party exam body could collapse, making it impossible to meet quality standards.
When to Use:
As soon as you forecast a breach in any agreed tolerance — you trigger exception handling.
What It Might Look Like in Practice:
• Exception Report / Escalation Report written by Project Manager to the Sponsor or Project Board.
• Project Board reviews and makes a decision.
• Could lead to re-planning the project (Exception Plan) or even project cancellation.