Which term describes the clear, defined goals and target outcomes expected in a project?

The term that describes the clear, defined goals and target outcomes expected in a project is objectives. Objectives are specific, measurable, and time-bound goals that outline what a project aims to achieve. They provide direction and a clear focus for the project team, ensuring that everyone understands the end results that are intended to be accomplished.

Objectives are crucial for project planning and management because they help in guiding decision-making and prioritization throughout the project's lifecycle. By having well-defined objectives, project teams can align their activities and resources effectively toward achieving desired outcomes, thus facilitating progress evaluation and success measurement.

In contrast, other terms provide different but related perspectives. Scope refers to the boundaries of a project, defining what is included and what is not. Milestones signify key points along the project timeline that indicate important achievements, while deliverables refer to specific outputs or products that must be completed as part of the project. Although all these elements are important in project management, they do not specifically encapsulate the concept of clear goals and outcomes as objectives do.