What are Project Deliverables: Detailed Guide
- Michelle M
- Mar 28
- 3 min read
Project deliverables are crucial components of any project, serving as tangible or intangible outputs that fulfill project requirements. Understanding the meaning, definition, and types of deliverables is essential for project managers, team members, and stakeholders. This guide will define deliverables, explore their significance, and discuss how they contribute to project success.
Deliverables Meaning: What Are Deliverables?
The term deliverables refers to the specific outputs, results, or products that a project generates. These could be physical goods, documents, reports, software, or any other end result that meets the project objectives.
Define Deliverables
To define deliverables, it is important to recognize that they are measurable, tangible, or intangible outputs provided to stakeholders during or at the completion of a project. Deliverables act as checkpoints, ensuring that the project progresses as planned.
Deliverables Definition
The deliverables definition in project management refers to any unique and verifiable outcome, service, or result that a project produces to satisfy a contractual requirement or objective. Deliverables can be internal (for team use) or external (for clients or stakeholders).
What Are Deliverables?
A common question among project managers is: What are deliverables? Deliverables are the essential building blocks of a project, signifying progress and ensuring that project goals are met. They can range from a finalized report to a fully operational product.
Types of Project Deliverables
Project deliverables can be classified into various types based on their nature, function, and audience.
1. Internal vs. External Deliverables
Internal Deliverables: These are used within the project team or organization and may include project plans, progress reports, or internal tools.
External Deliverables: These are provided to clients, stakeholders, or end-users, such as a website, a marketing campaign, or a software application.
2. Tangible vs. Intangible Deliverables
Tangible Deliverables: Physical or measurable outputs like hardware products, documents, or construction projects.
Intangible Deliverables: Services, strategies, or knowledge-based deliverables such as research findings or training programs.
3. Process vs. Product Deliverables
Process Deliverables: Intermediate outputs that help in achieving the final product, including project charters, design documents, and test reports.
Product Deliverables: The final output of a project, such as a completed software program or a new product ready for market release.
Importance of Deliverables in Project Management
Project deliverables play a critical role in defining a project's success. They help in:
Tracking Progress: Deliverables act as milestones that indicate project advancements.
Stakeholder Communication: Clearly defined deliverables ensure that all stakeholders are on the same page.
Quality Assurance: Deliverables include criteria that help maintain quality standards.
Budget and Time Management: Well-defined deliverables prevent scope creep and unnecessary delays.
Deliverables Synonym: Alternative Terms
Although "deliverables" is widely used in project management, there are several deliverables synonyms that can be used interchangeably. Some common alternatives include:
Outputs
Results
Products
Outcomes
Work products
Artifacts
Another Word for Deliverables
If you're looking for another word for deliverables, you may consider:
"Project outputs"
"Final products"
"Milestones"
"Project artifacts"
"Service outputs"
Best Practices for Managing Project Deliverables
To ensure that deliverables contribute effectively to project success, project managers should follow these best practices:
1. Clearly Define Deliverables
Each deliverable should be clearly outlined in the project scope, including its requirements, purpose, and expected outcome.
2. Assign Ownership
Every deliverable should have an accountable team member responsible for its completion.
3. Set Measurable Criteria
Establish benchmarks to assess whether deliverables meet expectations in terms of quality, functionality, and relevance.
4. Use Project Management Tools
Utilizing tools like Trello, Asana, or Jira can help track deliverables and ensure timely completion.
5. Regularly Review and Update Deliverables
Conduct frequent project reviews to identify any adjustments needed to keep deliverables aligned with project goals.
Conclusion
Understanding project deliverables is key to successful project execution. Whether you are defining deliverables, managing expectations, or ensuring quality standards, well-structured deliverables lead to efficient project management and stakeholder satisfaction.
Subscribe and share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
Professional Project Manager Templates are available here
