What does a defect refer to in project management?

In project management, a defect refers to a failure of a deliverable to meet specified requirements or standards. This can be understood as an issue or flaw that affects the quality of the project outcomes. The concept behind a defect is very much aligned with the notion of not adhering to the original plan, which includes scope, schedule, and performance criteria.

When the original plan is not being followed, it can result in missed requirements or a failure to achieve the intended quality of the project deliverables, thereby introducing defects. This understanding helps project managers to implement quality assurance and control measures that can detect and rectify defects before they lead to significant problems.

In contrast, the other choices pertain to different aspects of project management but do not encapsulate the essence of a defect. A planned deviation from the project scope implies intentional modifications and is not classified as a defect. Similarly, a requirement that is not properly documented pertains to communication or documentation issues rather than defects in the product itself. A budget overrun reflects financial mismanagement rather than issues regarding the quality of deliverables. Hence, the essence of a defect is most accurately represented by the situation where the original plan is not followed, leading to quality concerns.