What is the main purpose of documenting assumptions in a program?

Documenting assumptions in a program serves to clarify expectations regarding the program. By explicitly outlining the assumptions that the team is operating under, stakeholders can have a clearer understanding of the conditions and contexts that affect project outcomes. This clarity helps to align the team’s understanding and reduce ambiguity regarding what is being anticipated.

When team members and stakeholders are on the same page about these assumptions, it significantly improves the chances of the program meeting its intended goals and objectives. Assumptions can pertain to resource availability, technological capabilities, stakeholder involvement, or other critical factors that impact how the program is executed and assessed.

The other choices, while important elements of project management, do not encapsulate the primary aim of documenting assumptions as effectively. Outlining success criteria, for example, is more about defining what success looks like rather than the conditions assumed to achieve it. Facilitating better communication is an indirect benefit, but not the main purpose. Lastly, setting deadlines relates to project scheduling and time management, which does not directly link to the conceptual framework established through assumptions.