What is the main purpose of a project brief in a business case?

The main purpose of a project brief in a business case is to outline the project's scope and objectives. This document serves as a foundational reference for all stakeholders, articulating what the project aims to achieve and the key deliverables expected. By defining the scope, the project brief helps clarify the boundaries of the project, indicating what is included and what is excluded, which is essential for managing expectations and guiding the project's execution.

Understanding the project's objectives is equally critical as it aligns the team and stakeholders on the desired outcomes and the reasons behind the project. This clarity fosters better decision-making, prioritization, and resource allocation throughout the project's lifecycle.

While aspects like listing team members, summarizing the budget, and providing a timeline are important components of project management and planning, they do not capture the primary intent of the project brief, which is fundamentally about articulating the project’s purpose and direction. Thus, the project brief serves as an essential tool to ensure everyone involved has a shared understanding of the project's goals from the outset.