What is the main goal of the defining phase in project management?

The main goal of the defining phase in project management is to determine the project's scope and identify stakeholders. This phase is crucial because it sets the foundation for the entire project by clearly outlining what the project will deliver, the objectives it aims to achieve, and who will be involved or impacted by the project.

Establishing the project's scope helps prevent "scope creep," where unplanned changes or additional features complicate the project and can lead to delays and budget overruns. Identifying stakeholders is equally important, as it ensures that the needs, expectations, and influences of all parties involved are taken into account from the outset. Understanding stakeholders' interests helps build support and facilitates better communication throughout the project lifecycle.

While finalizing the project budget, creating a detailed project schedule, and managing resources effectively are all important elements of project management, they typically occur after the defining phase, once the project's scope and stakeholders have been clearly established.