Deliverables

Definition

Deliverables are specific outputs or results that must be produced and delivered upon completion of a project or project phase. They can be tangible items, such as reports or products, or intangible results, like completed milestones and approval from stakeholders. Deliverables are essential to defining the scope of a project, as they set clear expectations for what needs to be achieved and provide a basis for measuring project success.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Deliverables can be categorized as project deliverables (final outputs) or process deliverables (intermediate results throughout the project lifecycle).
2. Each deliverable should have defined acceptance criteria that outline how stakeholders will evaluate its completeness and quality.
3. Establishing clear deliverables helps in managing stakeholder expectations and ensures alignment between team members.
4. Incorporating deliverables into the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) allows for better organization and tracking of progress throughout the project.
5. Monitoring deliverables is critical for ensuring that a project stays on schedule and within budget, helping to identify potential risks early.

Review Questions

• How do deliverables impact the development of a project's scope statement?
  • Deliverables are a crucial element in crafting a project's scope statement because they define what is to be accomplished. By specifying each deliverable, the scope statement provides clarity on the project's objectives and establishes boundaries on what is included and excluded from the project. This helps prevent scope creep by ensuring that all stakeholders understand what will be delivered at the end of the project.
• Discuss how deliverables are organized within the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and why this organization is beneficial.
  • In the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), deliverables are organized into hierarchical levels that break down complex tasks into manageable components. This structure allows project managers to visualize how each deliverable relates to the overall project goals. Organizing deliverables in this way enhances clarity, facilitates better resource allocation, and makes it easier to track progress toward achieving each output.
• Evaluate the role of acceptance criteria in determining whether a deliverable has been successfully completed within a project.
  • Acceptance criteria are vital for assessing the successful completion of a deliverable as they define specific conditions that must be met for stakeholders to accept it. These criteria not only clarify expectations but also provide a benchmark for quality control. Evaluating deliverables against these established criteria helps mitigate risks associated with misunderstandings or misalignments between stakeholder expectations and actual outcomes, ultimately contributing to project success.

Related terms

Scope Statement: A document that outlines the project's objectives, deliverables, milestones, and boundaries to provide a clear understanding of what the project will achieve.

Milestones: Key points in the project timeline that signify important progress and completion of deliverables, often used to measure project performance.

Project Charter: A formal document that authorizes the project, outlining its objectives, key stakeholders, and overall framework including the expected deliverables.