project management glossary

late start (ls)

 The latest time an activity may begin without delaying the project finish date of the network. This date is calculated as the late finish minus the duration of the activity.

late start date (lsd)

 In the critical path method, the latest possible date that an activity may be begun without delaying a specified milestone (usually the project finish date).

latent defect

 A defect which exists at the time of acceptance but cannot be discovered by a reasonable inspection. See also Patent Defect.

lateral communication

 Communication across lines of equivalent authority or between managers at the same level in an organization's hierarchy.

lateral thinking

 A technique used to encourage new and creative ideas without necessarily any logical sequence.