What does 'duration' refer to in project management?

In project management, 'duration' specifically refers to the number of time periods needed to complete a project or a particular task within the project. This concept is critical because it helps project managers plan the timeline, allocate resources correctly, and ensure that the project stays on schedule. Duration is not simply about the start and end dates; it encompasses the entire span of time required to finish all activities related to a specific deliverable or the project as a whole, taking into account any constraints or dependencies that might impact that timeline.

While budget, resources, and risk assessment are also important aspects of project management, they pertain to different elements of project planning and execution. Understanding duration allows project managers to manage time effectively, which is one of the core constraints in project management, alongside cost and quality.