Terms of reference: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 01:23, 14 October 2019

Revision as of 17:57, 4 December 2019

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| quote = The diagnosis phase should end with the drafting of a Terms of Reference (TOR). The TOR is a detailed written description of the specifications for the evaluation.

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</ref> Although the terms of reference of a project are often referred to{{by whom|date=June 2016}} as the [[project charter]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.project-management-basics.com/project_management/project_management_043_Terms_of_Reference.shtml|title=Definition: Terms of Reference|date=2017}}</ref> there are significant differences between the two. This article will describe the importance ofdescribes a TOR containing detailed definitions however, while a project charter is defined as containinghas high-level requirements, assumptions, constraints and descriptions as well as a budget summary without detail, and a milestone-only schedule.<ref>{{cite book

| last1 = Project Management Institute

| title = A Guide To The Project Management Body Of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)

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</ref>

Terms of reference show how the object in question will be defined, developed, and verified. They should also provide a documented basis for making future decisions and for confirming or developing a common understanding of the scope among [[Stakeholder (project)|stakeholders]]. In order to meet these [[:wikt:criterion|criteria]], [[success factor]]s/risks and constraints are fundamental. They are very important for project proposals.{{citation needed|date=June 2016}}

Creating detailed terms of reference is critical,{{citation needed|date=June 2016}} as they define the:

* vision, objectives, scope and deliverables (i.e. what has to be achieved)

* [[stakeholder (disambiguation)|stakeholder]]sstakeholders, roles and responsibilities (i.e. who will take part in it)

* resource, financial and quality [[plan]]s (i.e. how it will be achieved)

* [[work breakdown structure]] and schedule (i.e. when it will be achieved)

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The terms of reference are created during the earlier stages of [[project management]] by the founders of the project in question, immediately after the approval of a project [[business case]]. They are documented by the [[project manager]] and presented to the project sponsor or sponsors for approval. Once the terms have been approved, the members of the project team have a clear definition of the scope of the project. They will then be ready to progress with implementing the remaining project [[deliverable]]s.

This phrase "terms of reference" often refers to the task(s) assigned to a consultant or advisoradviser. Such a consultant or advisoradviser may be engaged via a contract with general terms of engagement that also incorporate the terms of reference that specifically describe the consultant's task.

==See also==