Project Deliverables: What is it and why are they so important?

What are Project Deliverables? Why are they important?

Let’s find out what Project Deliverables are. First, let’s define what a project is. Is it possible to classify anything as a project? The answer is no! A project is an activity that creates a unique product/service. It is limited in duration. The project is temporary. A project is not formed by repetitive, routine activities. E.g. A football stadium is a big project. It can take anywhere from six months to one year to build it. The football stadium will be there indefinitely. The maintenance of the stadium will be considered a routine activity and would not be classified as a project. Project Management aims to achieve the project goals within the three constraints. These are scope, time, cost, and quality. A deliverable is any tangible or intangible product or service that is produced as a result a project. It is intended to be delivered. A deliverable can be a report or a document, as well as a software product, server upgrade, or any other building block. It can also be described as something specific or definite that was created during the project. Every deliverable must meet certain criteria.

Should be within the scope of the project
Both internal and external stakeholders should agree to the deliverable
Should assist in achieving the project’s objectives
Should be specific or definite
Any output promised to the customer by the project can be considered a deliverable.
Deliverables are the roadmap to achieving project objectives. As you meet the deadlines, your chances of reaching the project’s goals increase.
Project deliverables are therefore key to project success. Project managers should give them high priority.
Deliverables can be classified under
1. External or internal 2. Tangible or Intangible 3. Big or small External or Internal: These are the deliverables you would provide as a result of a project. It would have to meet the customer’s requirements. This is the business or purpose of the project. External and internal stakeholders can both be provided with project deliverables. A website you create for a client is an example of the latter. The design requirements document is an example of the former. These are the deliverables that would help in achieving the project objectives. These deliverables are required for the project’s execution. These are necessary to manage the business or project. These include creating documents, government reports or statutory reports, and keeping accounts. Tangible and intangible: Deliverables can be tangible such as a football field or a factory. Sometimes, you will need to conduct training in order for resources to be able to work on the project. You may have a project to train your employees. This would be intangible. Customer can categorize it as big or small. It would all depend on the customer’s requirements. This is not a guideline. A project/customer may need something small, but it can have a huge impact on another project/customer. Let’s now look at key deliverables for different phases of a project. The most important deliverable for a project is the Project Charter. Without a project charter, the project is not possible. It outlines the main purpose of the project. It gives an overview of roles, responsibilities, and other information. It identifies key stakeholders and outlines the project objectives. It confers authority on the project manager. The