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What are Deliverables?
Deliverables are any result, product, or service that is produced or provided as part of a project. Deliverables can be tangible (something that can be seen or touched) or intangible (something that can’t be seen or touched).
Deliverables in project management are the products, services, and results that a project produces. Deliverables can be tangible or intangible. Tangible deliverables are physical products that a project creates, such as a new piece of software or a building. Intangible deliverables are results that cannot be seen or touched, such as knowledge or satisfaction.
Deliverables are often confused with milestones. While both refer to specific outputs of a project, deliverables are tangible items that need to be completed, while milestones are usually events or achievements that need to be met. For example, completing the first draft of a report would be a deliverable, while submitting the final draft to the client would be a milestone.
Deliverables are key to the success of any project. In order to ensure that a project is on track, it is essential to have a clear understanding of what needs to be delivered and when. Deliverables can be anything from documents and reports to software or hardware. Project managers need to be able to identify deliverables early on in the project to create a realistic schedule and budget.
The deliverables for a project can vary depending on the scope and requirements. However, there are some common deliverables that are typically required in order to successfully complete a project. The first deliverable is a training program for all external stakeholders. This program will ensure that everyone understands the project scope as well as project schedules. It will also help to avoid any misunderstandings or confusion about the project.
Importance of Deliverables
Deliverables are an essential part of any project. Without deliverables, it would be difficult to measure the success of a project. Deliverables also play a key role in the project planning process.
By identifying deliverables early on, project managers can create a realistic schedule and budget. Deliverables can also help project managers to monitor the progress of a project and identify any potential problems.
Project management deliverables are important because they provide critical information to all project stakeholders. Deliverables help keep the project on track and ensure that everyone is aware of the project’s progress.
Types of Deliverables
1. Tangible Deliverables
Tangible deliverables are physical products that a project creates, such as a new piece of software or a building.
Such types of deliverables are often easy to measure and track. For example, if a project’s goal is to create a new piece of software, the tangible deliverable would be the software itself.
2. Intangible Deliverables
Intangible deliverables are results that cannot be seen or touched, such as knowledge or satisfaction.
Intangible deliverables are often more difficult to measure than tangible ones. For example, if a project’s goal is to improve customer satisfaction, the intangible deliverable would be the customers’ level of satisfaction.
3. Internal Deliverables
Internal deliverables are those that are created within the organization, such as documents or reports.
Internal deliverables are usually not seen by the customer or client. For example, if a project’s goal is to create a new marketing plan, the internal deliverable would be the plan itself.
4. External Deliverables
External deliverables are those that are provided to the customer or client, such as a product or service.
External deliverables are usually the end result of a project. For example, if a project’s goal is to create a new website, the external deliverable would be the website itself.
Project vs Product Deliverables
Deliverables can be either project deliverables or product deliverables.
1. Project Deliverables
Project deliverables are those that are necessary for the project to be considered complete. For example, if a project’s goal is to create a new website, the project deliverable would be the website itself.
2. Product Deliverables
Product deliverables are those that are not essential for the project to be considered complete, but which may be of use to the customer or client. For example, if a project’s goal is to create a new website, the product deliverable might be a user manual for the website.
Deliverable vs Milestone
Deliverables are often confused with milestones. While both refer to specific outputs of a project, deliverables are tangible items that need to be completed, while milestones are usually events or achievements that need to be met. For example, completing the first draft of a report would be a deliverable, while submitting the final draft to the client would be a milestone.
Milestones are interim goals and targets that must be achieved at specific points in time in any large project. Milestones may talk about a portion of the deliverable due, or they may simply indicate a comprehensive progress report with information on the current state of a project.
Objective vs Deliverable
The objective of a project is the overall goal that the project is trying to achieve. For example, the objective of a project to create a new website might be to increase sales by 10%.
The deliverables are the specific outputs that the project produces. In the example of the website, the deliverables would be the website itself, as well as any associated user documentation.
A project can have multiple objectives, but it should always have at least one deliverable.
How to Create Deliverables
When creating deliverables, it is important to keep the following in mind
- Deliverables should be specific. Deliverables should be clearly defined so that they can be easily measured and tracked.
- Deliverables should be achievable. Deliverables should be realistic and achievable within the scope of the project.
- Deliverables should be relevant. Deliverables should be relevant to the project’s goals and objectives.
- Deliverables should be timely. Deliverables should be completed within the timeframe specified in the project schedule. Deliverables that are not completed on time can cause the project to fall behind schedule.
- Deliverables should be of high quality. Deliverables should meet the customer’s or client’s expectations. Deliverables that are of poor quality can cause the project to be unsuccessful.
Creating deliverables can be a challenge, but it is important to remember that deliverables are an essential part of the project planning process. By taking the time to create Deliverables early on in the project, you can ensure that the project stays on track and is successful.
How should you define key project Deliverables?
Project deliverables are the specific outputs or results of a project. Deliverables can be tangible or intangible, and they can be either internal or external to the organization.
Deliverables should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely.
When defining project deliverables, it is important to keep the following in mind:
1. Specific
Deliverables should be clearly defined so that they can be easily measured and tracked.
2. Measurable
Deliverables should be quantifiable so that progress can be tracked and reported.
3. Achievable
Deliverables should be realistic and achievable within the scope of the project.
4. Relevant
Deliverables should be relevant to the project’s goals and objectives.
5. Timely
Deliverables should be completed within the timeframe specified in the project schedule. Deliverables that are not completed on time can cause the project to fall behind schedule.
Some examples of key project deliverables include
- A report
- A website
- A software application
- A marketing campaign
- An event
Creating deliverables can be a challenge, but it is important to remember that deliverables are an essential part of the project planning process. By taking the time to create Deliverables early on in the project, you can ensure that the project stays on track and is successful. Some of the steps that you may follow are-
1. Asking the right questions
The first step is to understand what the client or customer wants. This can be done by asking questions and gathering information through interviews, surveys, focus groups, or other research methods.
2. Gathering the requirements
Once you have an understanding of what the client or customer wants, you can begin to gather the requirements for the project. The requirements should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely.
3. Identifying the KPIs
Key performance indicators (KPIs) are a way to measure whether or not the project is on track. KPIs can be financial, such as return on investment (ROI), or non-financial, such as customer satisfaction.
4. Reviewing and approving
Once the deliverables have been created, they should be reviewed and approved by the client or customer. This will ensure that the deliverables meet the expectations of those who will be using them. Deliverables that are not approved can cause the project to be delayed or even canceled.
How to Present Deliverables to Stakeholders?
Once the Deliverables have been created, they need to be presented to the stakeholders. The presentation should be clear and concise. It should include an overview of the project, the objectives of the project, the Deliverables, and how the Deliverables will be used.
The presentation should also include a timeline of when the Deliverables will be completed. This will help to ensure that the project stays on track. Finally, the presentation should include a budget for the project. This will help to ensure that the project is affordable and within the confines of the organization’s budget.
Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and project calendars can make it easier for stakeholders to share information. Such tools offer one-click reporting that captures data on project variance, duration, cost, etc. Depending on the stakeholder’s preference, these reports may be shared as PDF attachments or printed.
Key Deliverables in Project Management at different Phases
A- Project Initiation Phase
1. Kick-off meeting
The kick-off meeting is the first meeting of the project team. It is used to introduce the project to the team and to get everyone on the same page. The meeting should include an overview of the project, the objectives, the Deliverables, and the timeline.
2. Project charter
The project charter is a document that outlines the scope of the project. It should include the objectives, deliverables, and timeline. The charter should be approved by the client or customer.
3. Project repository
A project repository is a place where all of the project’s Deliverables are stored. This can be a physical location, such as a file cabinet, or a virtual location, such as a shared drive.
B- Project Planning Phase
1. Project plan
The project plan is a document that outlines how the project will be executed. It should include the Deliverables, the timeline, the resources, and the budget. The project plan should be approved by the client or customer.
2. Requirements document
The requirements document is a document that outlines the specific requirements for the project. It should be approved by the client or customer.
3. Risk & Issues log
The risk & issues log is a document that tracks the risks and issues associated with the project. It should be updated on a regular basis and reviewed by the project team.
4. Communications plan
The communications plan is a document that outlines how the information will be shared between the project team and the stakeholders. It should include the frequency of communication, the method of communication, and who will be responsible for each communication.
C- Project Execution & Control Phase
1. Status report
The status report is a document that outlines the progress of the project. It should be updated on a regular basis and reviewed by the project team.
2. Meeting notes
The meeting notes are a record of the discussions that take place at project meetings. They should be distributed to all attendees after each meeting.
3. Project change request
The project change request is a document that outlines changes to the project. It should be reviewed and approved by the project team.
4. Final project acceptance
The final project acceptance is a document that outlines the acceptance of the Deliverables. It should be reviewed and approved by the client or customer.
D- Project Closure Phase
1. Project cost report
The project cost report is a document that outlines the costs associated with the project. It should be reviewed by the project team.
2. Team performance report
The team performance report is a document that outlines the performance of the project team. It should be reviewed by the project manager.
3. Team reflection meeting notes
The team reflection meeting notes are a record of the discussions that take place at the team reflection meeting. They should be distributed to all attendees after the meeting.
Checklist to manage deliverables in a project
1. Define the Deliverables
The first step is to define the Deliverables. This can be done by creating a Deliverables list.
2. Create a Deliverables template
The next step is to create a Deliverables template. This can be done by using a word processing program or a spreadsheet program.
3. Create a Deliverables schedule
The next step is to create a Deliverables schedule. This can be done by using a project management software program.
4. Assign Deliverables to team members
The next step is to assign Deliverables to team members. This can be done by using a project management software program.
5. Review Deliverables
The next step is to review Deliverables. This can be done by using a project management software program.
6. Approve Deliverables:
The next step is to approve Deliverables. This can be done by using a project management software program.
7. Deliver Deliverables
The final step is to deliver Deliverables. This can be done by using a project management software program.
Conclusion!
On the concluding note, it is clear that Deliverables play an important role in every project. Deliverables help to ensure that the project is on track and that all stakeholders are kept up to date with the progress of the project.
Deliverables also help to ensure that the project team is aware of their responsibilities. A Deliverables checklist can be used to ensure that all Deliverables are managed in a project.
All in all, deliverables are any results or products that must be delivered in order to complete a project. Project management tools can help you create and track deliverables throughout your project’s timeline.
What do you think? Do you have any Deliverables tips? Please share in the comments below.
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