Which document outlines the project goals, metrics, and success criteria?

The document that outlines the project goals, metrics, and success criteria is the Project Charter. This foundational document serves as a reference point throughout the project's lifecycle, clearly defining the project's objectives and the metrics that will determine whether those objectives have been successfully achieved.

The Project Charter typically includes an overview of the project’s purpose, the business case, high-level requirements, identified stakeholders, and the roles and responsibilities for those involved. By articulating goals and success criteria, it helps to align the project team and stakeholders on what is to be accomplished and how success will be measured. This alignment is critical for guiding the project from initiation through planning, executing, monitoring, and closing.

While other documents, such as the Project Schedule, may outline when tasks are to be completed, and the Risk Management Plan identifies potential risks and mitigation strategies, they do not specifically delineate the overall goals and success criteria of the project. The Communication Plan primarily focuses on how information will be shared among stakeholders rather than defining project objectives or metrics.