Short definitions for project lifecycle, planning, risk, schedule, governance, and documentation terms.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Baseline | Approved reference version of scope, schedule, or cost |
| Business case | Justification for why an initiative should proceed |
| Change request | Formal proposal to modify approved work or constraints |
| Charter | Formal authorization for a project to exist |
| Critical path | Schedule path that determines the earliest possible finish date |
| Float | Delay an activity can absorb without affecting a later date |
| Issue | Current problem requiring action |
| Issue log | Record of active problems, owners, actions, and status |
| Milestone | Zero-duration schedule checkpoint |
| Phase gate | Formal decision point before moving forward |
| Procurement | Acquisition of externally supplied goods or services |
| RACI | Responsibility, accountability, consultation, and information roles |
| Risk | Uncertain future event that could affect objectives |
| Risk register | Record of risks, owners, responses, and monitoring details |
| Scope creep | Uncontrolled scope growth without approval |
| Sponsor | Role that authorizes and supports a project |
| Stakeholder | Person or group affected by or able to influence a project |
| WBS | Work breakdown structure; decomposition of work into manageable components |