What signifies formal acceptance of deliverables in a project?

Formal acceptance of deliverables in a project is most importantly represented by written confirmation from stakeholders. This confirmation typically indicates that stakeholders have reviewed the completed deliverables and have officially agreed that they meet the specified criteria and requirements set forth in the project plan.

This step is crucial because it serves as a final acknowledgment that the project has successfully fulfilled its obligations regarding those deliverables. By documenting this acceptance in writing, it also protects both the project team and stakeholders by providing a clear record of the approved work, which can be referenced in case of future disputes or questions about project completion.

In contrast, other options such as change requests, variance analysis reports, and updates to the project management plan play different roles within a project's lifecycle. Change requests may indicate a desire to alter project scopes or requirements but do not themselves confirm acceptance of what has already been delivered. Variance analysis reports are tools used to assess performance against the project plan but do not indicate stakeholder agreement. Updates to the project management plan involve revisions to ensure it reflects current project states but do not equate to the formal sign-off on deliverables. Thus, written confirmation is the standard practice for expressing formal acceptance.