Timeboxing, is a time management technique used in various project management methodologies, including Agile frameworks like Scrum. It involves allocating a fixed, predetermined amount of time, called a time box, to a specific activity or task.

Once the time box duration is reached, the work on that activity or task must stop, regardless of its completion status. This technique is designed to help teams prioritize their work, maintain focus, and improve efficiency.

Timeboxing encourages teams to work within the constraints of the allocated time and make the best use of available resources. By setting a time limit, team members are motivated to concentrate on the most important aspects of the task and avoid getting bogged down in minor details.

Timeboxing can also help prevent scope creep, as it enforces a strict boundary around the time spent on each task.

In Agile methodologies, timeboxing is a core concept. For example, in Scrum, sprints are time-boxed iterations, usually lasting between one and four weeks, during which the team works to complete a set of prioritized tasks from the product backlog. Other time-boxed events in Scrum include daily stand-up meetings, sprint planning sessions, sprint reviews, and sprint retrospectives.

Using timeboxing in project management helps teams maintain a sense of urgency, stay focused on their goals, and continually assess their progress toward those goals. This approach enables better decision-making and a more efficient use of resources, ultimately improving the team’s overall productivity.