Deliverables

Definition

Deliverables are specific outputs or results that are produced as part of a project, serving as tangible evidence of progress and completion. They can take various forms, such as documents, software, reports, or products, and are crucial for measuring the success of a project against its objectives. Deliverables help ensure accountability and provide a clear framework for stakeholders to evaluate the outcomes of the project.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Deliverables are often specified in the project plan and can include both interim and final products, ensuring that all stakeholders know what to expect.
2. They are typically linked to project phases, with specific deliverables due at the completion of each phase, helping to maintain momentum.
3. Clear definitions of deliverables help manage expectations and can reduce misunderstandings among team members and stakeholders.
4. Deliverables must be measurable and verifiable to assess if they meet the required standards and align with the project goals.
5. In IT project management, deliverables often include software prototypes, user documentation, testing results, and final software releases.

Review Questions

• How do deliverables contribute to effective IT project management?
  • Deliverables play a crucial role in effective IT project management by providing clear expectations for what is to be achieved at various stages of the project. They help teams focus on tangible outputs that need to be completed, ensuring accountability among team members. Moreover, well-defined deliverables enable project managers to track progress against timelines and budgets, facilitating better decision-making and resource allocation.
• Discuss how poorly defined deliverables can lead to scope creep in an IT project.
  • Poorly defined deliverables can lead to scope creep in an IT project by creating ambiguity about what is expected from the team. When stakeholders do not have a clear understanding of what deliverables are required, they may request additional features or changes throughout the project's duration without adjusting timelines or resources. This situation not only complicates project execution but also increases risks related to cost overruns and missed deadlines.
• Evaluate the impact of stakeholder involvement in defining project deliverables and its effect on project success.
  • The involvement of stakeholders in defining project deliverables is essential for ensuring that their needs and expectations are met, which significantly impacts project success. When stakeholders actively participate in this process, it fosters alignment between their requirements and the project's objectives, reducing misunderstandings later on. Furthermore, engaged stakeholders are more likely to support the project throughout its lifecycle, leading to improved satisfaction with the final outcomes and increased chances of achieving desired results.

Related terms

Milestones: Milestones are significant points or events in a project timeline that indicate progress and help track the project's advancement towards its goals.

Scope Creep: Scope creep refers to the uncontrolled expansion or change of a project's scope without adjustments to time, cost, and resources, which can affect the quality and completion of deliverables.

Stakeholders: Stakeholders are individuals or groups who have an interest in the project's outcome and can influence or be affected by its deliverables.