Project Mandate

A.

A project mandate is a document that provides the project manager with the authority to start and deliver a project. It also provides high-level information about the project, such as its objectives, scope, constraints, and risks. The project mandate is usually issued by the project sponsor or the senior management team.

Out of the given options, the most appropriate answer is A. Terms of reference. The terms of reference define the boundaries and objectives of the project, including its purpose, goals, and deliverables. They also describe the stakeholders, the project organization, and the communication channels. The terms of reference are essential for ensuring that all parties involved in the project have a common understanding of its scope and objectives.

Option B, Detailed Business Case, is not correct because a detailed business case is not usually included in the project mandate. However, the business case provides detailed information about the financial, strategic, and operational benefits of the project and is typically developed after the project mandate has been issued.

Option C, Stage tolerances, is also not correct because stage tolerances are specific limits on time, cost, and scope that are agreed upon between the project manager and the project board for each stage of the project. Stage tolerances are typically defined in the project initiation document (PID), which is developed after the project mandate has been issued.

Option D, Initiation Stage Plan, is not correct because the initiation stage plan is a detailed plan that describes how the project will be initiated, including the activities, timelines, and resources required. The initiation stage plan is typically developed after the project mandate has been issued and the terms of reference have been defined.

Therefore, the project mandate should provide the terms of reference that define the objectives and boundaries of the project.