What does the term "project scope" refer to in project management?

The term "project scope" in project management specifically refers to the defined boundaries and deliverables of a project. It outlines what is included within the project, detailing the specific tasks and outcomes expected upon completion. This encompasses the objectives, the specifics of what work will be carried out, and any limitations on what the project will not address. By effectively defining the scope, project managers can ensure that all team members and stakeholders have a clear understanding of what is to be accomplished, which helps in avoiding scope creep (uncontrolled changes or continuous growth in a project’s scope).

The other options, while relevant to various aspects of project management, do not encapsulate the complete meaning of project scope. The budget pertains to financial management, the timeline relates to scheduling and deadlines, and the number of team members is related to resource allocation. None of these provide the comprehensive view of what is included in a project’s scope.