Project Management Framework
Initiation - High-Level Deliverables
Definition
A deliverable is a tangible, verifiable outcome of work that achieves an objective. The existence of one or more deliverables proves that an objective has been reached. To be verifiable, the deliverable must meet predetermined standards for its completion, such as a design specification for a product or a checklist of steps that is completed as part of a service.
Why is this important?
Deliverables concretely establish the scope of a project. They define the contractual obligations between the project requestor and the project provider. Well-written deliverables serve as a project's "target" and give a project manager and a project team the foundation for developing a project plan and work schedule.
Instruction
Deliverables should line up with the goals and objectives. For each project objective, create one or more deliverables that will help achieve the stated project goal. If a deliverable doesn't achieve a project objective, question whether the deliverable is needed or whether a new objective statement should be created. If goals, objectives and deliverables do not align this way, then something is missing or something isn't needed.
How to scale
For simple projects, consider a simple bulleted list. For large, complex projects, consider a well developed chart that includes added descriptive elements such as which objective the deliverable addresses, who is assigned to produce the deliverable, who accepts it, when is it needed by, what are its critical path dependencies, etc.
Related Links:
Deliverables Examples
Checklists