Who typically has the final authority on project decisions?

The project sponsor typically holds the final authority on project decisions. The project sponsor is usually a senior executive or stakeholder who provides support for the project and ensures that it aligns with organizational goals. They have the authority to make high-level decisions, allocate resources, and accept or reject the project deliverables upon completion.

The project manager, while responsible for the day-to-day management of the project and making operational decisions, ultimately reports to the project sponsor and must seek their approval for significant changes or issues that could affect the project's scope, budget, or timeline. This hierarchy ensures that project initiatives are aligned with broader business objectives and that the project has the necessary backing at a strategic level.

Regarding the project team and stakeholders, they play crucial roles in executing tasks and providing input throughout the project. However, their influence does not extend to making final decisions on major project directions or changes, which rests with the sponsor.