alapkeret

Alapkeret is a Hungarian term describing a foundational or baseline framework used in planning and resource allocation. It denotes the minimum or core resources, rules, and scope that define what is permissible or planned within a project, program, or organization. The concept functions as a stable reference point for decision making and for measuring changes.

Etymology: alap means base or foundation, keret means frame or boundary; together they describe a base frame underpinning subsequent planning.

Usage: In public administration and budgeting, the alapkeret refers to the base financing envelope allocated for a program or sector during a budget period. It sets the upper limit and often serves as the starting point for revisions, reallocations, or supplements. In project management, the alapkeret comprises the baseline scope, schedule, and budget used to monitor performance; approved changes occur via formal change control. In policy analysis, an alapkeret can denote the baseline or reference scenario against which alternatives are compared.

Relation to related terms: keret is a generic frame or limit, while alapkeret emphasizes the foundational or baseline nature, sometimes used as a synonym for baseline budget in practice. Related phrases common in Hungarian public finance include költségvetési alapkeret and fejlesztési keret.

Examples: A government agency defines an alapkeret of 120 million for a research program; a nonprofit project uses an alapkeret to outline core resources for a development initiative; in EU-funded programs, the alapkeret defines the core funds available before performance-based top-ups.

See also: baseline, budget, framework.