In project management, what is an assumption?

An assumption in project management refers to a factor that is considered to be true for the purpose of planning and executing a project. Assumptions are critical because they help in defining the scope, resources, timelines, and key deliverables of a project. These are conditions that the project team believes will hold true throughout the project lifecycle but have not been verified or validated.

Identifying assumptions is essential as they can significantly influence project outcomes; if an assumption proves to be incorrect, it may lead to project delays, increased costs, or even project failure. Documenting assumptions allows project managers and stakeholders to understand the foundation upon which project plans are based and helps manage risks associated with their validity.

In contrast, the other choices describe different concepts. An unexpected event that impacts outcomes refers to risks, which differ from assumptions as they are uncertainties that can affect project objectives. Measurable objectives that the project aims to achieve are typically referred to as project goals or deliverables, while prospective risks identified during planning focus on potential issues that could arise rather than taking for granted conditions assumed to be true.