← QCE Digital Solutions Unit 3

Limitations of a solution

Something the finished solution cannot do, or does only partly, because of constraints and scope decisions. It is stated honestly in a limitation statement, not hidden.

Part of: QCE Digital Solutions Unit 3 — Real-World Problems and Solution Requirements — Module 14

Understanding Limitations of a solution in QCE Digital Solutions Unit 3

What it does: The statement names what the solution cannot do and links it to the economic constraint that caused it. Scope decisions choose what is excluded from this version, so the item is recorded as out of scope rather than as a flaw in what was built. A limitation is about the finished solution. A restriction placed on the project beforehand is a constraint. Features left out by a scope decision were chosen on purpose. They are not bugs, but the solution is still limited because it cannot do them. A limitation can be a task done only partly. Naming the 30-day cap openly is honest reporting, not hiding the gap.

Common mistakes: A limitation must be stated honestly. The web-only scope and the budget mean there is no phone version, so the line should read 'Limitation: no phone version', not 'none'. A budget is a constraint on how the solution is built. It is not a limitation, which is what the finished solution cannot do. Line 1 should start with 'Constraint:'.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 128–176) and word search (Modules 15–176).

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Learning
Duo
Which best describes a limitation of a solution?
Something the finished solution cannot do, or does only partlyA rule or restriction placed on the project before it starts
Matches
Limitation: None. The solution does everything perfectly.
↓
Claims there are no limitations. Every solution has some, and they must be stated honestly, not hidden.
Applying
Meanings
Term
limitation
Meaning
Something the finished solution cannot do, or does only partly, because of constraints and scope decisions. It is stated honestly in a limitation statement, not hidden.
Practice
Limitation: The app cannot sync data between devices.
Testing
Gaps
A is what a solution cannot do.
Check Answer
Spots
3Cause: budget, web-only scope
4Limitation: none to report

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Quick Questions

1. Which best describes a limitation of a solution?
A. A rule or restriction placed on the project before it starts
B. Something the finished solution cannot do, or does only partly ✓
A limitation is about the finished solution. A restriction placed on the project beforehand is a constraint.
2. A project has a budget of $2000, so the app cannot include a paid map service. Which is the limitation?
A. The app cannot show live maps ✓
B. The budget is only $2000
The budget is the constraint (the cause). The missing live maps are the limitation (the result in the finished solution).
3. Which statement shows the link between a constraint and a limitation?
A. A constraint can cause a limitation in the finished solution ✓
B. A limitation is imposed on the team before development begins
Constraints shape the project and often lead to limitations. Limitations are discovered or declared in the finished solution.
4. The scope says the booking app will not include online payments. How is this best described?
A. An out-of-scope feature that creates a limitation: users cannot pay in the app ✓
B. A bug that the team must fix before release
Features left out by a scope decision were chosen on purpose. They are not bugs, but the solution is still limited because it cannot do them.
5. Which limitation statement is written honestly and clearly?
A. The app works perfectly for every user on every device
B. The app only works on Android because of the limited testing budget ✓
A good limitation statement says what the solution cannot do and why. It does not hide or exaggerate.

Match the Pairs

Limitation: The app cannot work offline. → A limitation statement that honestly says what the finished solution cannot do
Limitation: Reports only cover the last 30 days. → A limitation showing the solution does a task only partly, which is stated openly
A limitation is caused by a constraint, such as a fixed budget, so the statement links the two → Limitation: No SMS alerts, because the budget of $500 cannot cover SMS fees.
An out-of-scope feature was deliberately left out by a scope decision, so it is noted as a scope exclusion, not a failure → Out of scope: Version 1 will not include a parent login portal.
Limitation: None. The solution does everything perfectly. → Claims there are no limitations. Every solution has some, and they must be stated honestly, not hidden.
Limitation: The project must be finished by Term 3. → This is a constraint (a restriction placed on the project), not a limitation of the finished solution.

Key Term

limitation
Something the finished solution cannot do, or does only partly, because of constraints and scope decisions. It is stated honestly in a limitation statement, not hidden.

Fill in the Blanks

1. A limitation is what a solution cannot do.
Hint: Type the term for something the finished solution cannot do, or only does partly.
2. Budget is a constraint on the development. It can cause a limitation in the product.
Hint: Type the term for a restriction on how the solution is built, such as budget, time or law.
3. Features left out by choice are outside the scope of the solution.
Hint: Type the word for the agreed boundary of what the solution will include.
4. It cannot print reports because of cost.
Hint: Type the connecting word that links the limitation to its cause.
5. Limitation: No offline mode. Cause: time constraint. Impact: users need an internet connection.
Hint: Type the label for the part of a limitation statement that describes the effect on users.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A Constraint: budget of $800
B Scope: web app only
C Cause: budget, web-only scope
D Limitation: none to report
Line D — A limitation must be stated honestly. The web-only scope and the budget mean there is no phone version, so the line should read 'Limitation: no phone version', not 'none'.
Question 2
A Limitation: budget of $500
B Limitation: no payment feature
C Statement: shared with client
Line A — A budget is a constraint on how the solution is built. It is not a limitation, which is what the finished solution cannot do. Line 1 should start with 'Constraint:'.
Question 3
A In scope: voice control
B Limitation: users must type
C Reason: client did not ask
Line A — Voice control was left out, and that is why users must type. It is an out-of-scope feature, so line 1 should be 'Out of scope: voice control'.
Question 4
A exportPDF <- false
B if exportPDF = true then
C print 'No PDF export yet'
D end if
Line B — The limitation message should show when PDF export is not available. The condition must test exportPDF = false, not true.
Question 5
A Limitation: no offline mode
B Cause: needs live server data
C Impact: users will not notice
Line C — A limitation statement must honestly give the effect on users. Saying users will not notice hides the real impact, which is that the app cannot be used without Wi-Fi.

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