What should project scope be defined by before project approval?

Defining project scope with a detailed narrative explanation and supporting documentation before project approval is crucial because it provides a clear and coherent outline of the project's objectives, deliverables, and limitations. This thorough narrative serves as a foundational document, ensuring that all stakeholders have a shared understanding of what the project will entail. It helps in identifying the resources needed, the timeline for completion, and any potential risks associated with the project.

The detailed narrative not only clarifies the goals and outputs of the project but also outlines the parameters within which the project will operate. This includes specifying the project's boundaries, which is essential to avoid scope creep later on. Supporting documentation can include previous studies, market research, feasibility assessments, and any preliminary plans that inform the project scope.

While other options may play a role in various aspects of the project development process, they do not provide the same level of clarity and detail that a well-formulated narrative with documentation offers prior to approval. A budget estimate, team meetings, and public presentations each have their places in the overall project management process but rely on a clearly defined scope to be truly effective.