Which document is crucial for outlining the goals and deliverables of a project?

The project charter is a vital document that serves as the foundation for any project. It outlines the project's goals, objectives, scope, and key deliverables, providing clarity and direction to all stakeholders involved. The project charter formally authorizes the project, detailing what is to be achieved and defining the authority of the project manager. This document is essential in ensuring that everyone involved in the project has a shared understanding of its purpose and expected outcomes.

In contrast, other documents serve different purposes. The stakeholder registry lists individuals or groups who have an interest in the project, but it does not define project goals or deliverables. The communication plan describes how information will be shared among stakeholders throughout the project, focusing on processes rather than specific deliverables. The risk management plan identifies potential risks and outlines strategies to manage them, which is critical for risk mitigation but does not directly relate to the project’s goals and outputs. Therefore, the project charter is the primary document for establishing project direction and deliverables.