In project management, what is a deliverable?

A deliverable in project management refers to a tangible or intangible output that is produced as a result of the project. This can include various forms of outputs, such as a completed product, a report, a service, or any specific result that the project is designed to produce and deliver to stakeholders.

Deliverables are key aspects of a project's scope, as they define what is to be achieved and provide a measure of progress toward fulfilling the project’s objectives. They are crucial in ensuring that both the project team and stakeholders are aligned on expectations and outcomes.

While milestones in the project timeline mark key points of progress, they do not represent the actual outputs of the project. Similarly, a project status document is a form of communication about the project’s progress but is not itself a deliverable. Finally, tools for scheduling project activities help manage timelines and resources, but are not outputs of the project themselves. Thus, understanding deliverables is essential for effective project management, focusing on the tangible or intangible results that demonstrate project completion and success.