Project deliverables and project objectives are two fundamental concepts in project management. Here is a simple explanation of what they are and how they differ:
Project Deliverables: Project deliverables refer to tangible or intangible products or services that a project produces or delivers. These can be products, documents, reports, services, or any other outcome that the project is meant to produce. Deliverables are the result of the project activities and are defined in the project plan. They are typically measurable and quantifiable, and their completion is often used to determine the success of the project.
For example, a website development project might have deliverables such as the website design, website content, website functionality, and user manuals.
Project Objectives: Project objectives, on the other hand, refer to the desired outcomes or results that a project aims to achieve. Objectives describe what the project intends to accomplish and should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Project objectives are typically defined in the project charter and guide the project planning and execution. They are the drivers of the project and the reasons why the project is being undertaken.
For example, the objectives of a website development project might be to increase online sales by 20% and improve the user experience by reducing the bounce rate by 15%.
Difference between project deliverables and project objectives: The main difference between project deliverables and project objectives is that project deliverables are the tangible or intangible products that a project produces or delivers, while project objectives are the desired outcomes or results that the project aims to achieve. In other words, project objectives define the why of the project, while project deliverables define the what of the project. Project objectives provide the direction and purpose of the project, while project deliverables are the tangible evidence of the project’s success.