The term “deliverables” is traditionally used in project management to describe the quantifiable goods or services that must be provided upon the completion of a project. Deliverables can be either tangible or intangible in nature. For example, in a project focused on upgrading a firm’s technology, a deliverable may refer to the acquisition of a dozen new computers. In contrast, for a software project, a deliverable might be a computer program designed to enhance a company’s computational efficiency in accounts receivable.
Key Insights
- Deliverables in Project Management: Deliverables are the foundation of project management, marking the goods or services set to be provided upon project completion. These can be tangible, like new computers, or intangible, like a software application.
- Variety and Scope: Deliverables could include training programs (online or in-person), product design samples, or instruction manuals in addition to more traditional items.
- Documentation and Legal Considerations: Documentation outlining project terms often accompanies deliverables to ensure clarity and contractual obligation.
- Film Industry Specifics: In film production, deliverables span the full range of audio, visual, and legal paperwork necessary for distribution.
Gaining Clarity: What are Deliverables?
Expanding Scope
Deliverables aren’t limited to hardware or software; they could also involve training programs (whether in-person or online) or even design blueprints for future products. Frequently, these are accompanied by manuals or guides.
Contractual Documentation
Often, deliverables are codified in legal contracts, detailing their nature, timeline, and any associated payment plans. This documentation is crucial for maintaining project transparency and accountability between involved parties.
Key Milestones
In any robust project structure, milestones are indispensable. These interim goals act as checkpoints that ensure overarching deliverables are on track. A milestone might indicate a partially completed deliverable or might serve as a progress report for project oversight.
Film Industry Deliverables
In film production, deliverables are not just crucial; they signify contractual commitments, including a full range of audio, visual, and document files required for distribution. It includes sound mixes, music and sound effects, and contractual paperwork such as licensing agreements and performance releases.
Types of Deliverables
Tangible vs. Intangible Deliverables
- Tangible Deliverables: Constructing a new office or factory to meet demand stipulates a tangible form.
- Intangible Deliverables: Employee training programs aimed at new software usage represent intangible deliverables.
Internal vs. External Deliverables
- Internal Deliverables: Those utilized within the organization, not visible to the customer. Example: Constructing infrastructure to boost production capacity.
- External Deliverables: Final products or services delivered to customers. Example: A finished smartphone produced in the newly built factory.
Meeting Deliverable Requirements: Milestones and Strategies
At a project’s inception, defining end goals and the path toward those goals is vital. A project manager should outline a timeline incorporating deliverables to be met at specific milestones. Project phases may include initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closing, each demanding various deliverables. Documentation like SWOT analysis, gap analysis, or a project scope statement outlines these critical stages.
Contractual Foundations
Drafting contracts at the start of a project, listing expectations, timelines, and deliverables is crucial. These contracts may be internal for project deliverables and external for product deliverables, with occasionally an encompassing “Statement of Work” (SOW) detailing every intrinsic and extrinsic project aspect.
Concrete Examples of Deliverables
- Initial project strategy reports
- Budget outlines
- Progress updates
- Beta products and test results
Objectives vs. Deliverables
- Objectives: Broad goals encompassing all project-related results and benefits.
- Deliverables: Tangible outcomes ensuring these objectives are met.
Final Thoughts
Deliverables represent the measurable goods or services essential for a project’s success. They ensure projects stay on track, thereby optimizing time and cost. As key markers in a project’s lifecycle, they’re indispensable for business success and the efficient completion of any project.
Related Terms: objective, milestone, deliverable document, statement of work, project manager
