At what point in a project should stakeholders be involved?

Stakeholder involvement throughout the entire project is essential for several reasons. Engaging stakeholders from the initial phases and maintaining their involvement ensures that their needs and expectations are thoroughly understood and addressed. Continuous communication allows for feedback at various stages, which helps in refining the requirements, identifying potential risks, and aligning project outcomes with stakeholder satisfaction.

When stakeholders are involved from the start through to project completion, there is a higher likelihood of project success. They can provide insight that may impact scope, design, or functionality, and their ongoing engagement helps avoid misunderstandings or misalignments later in the project. By promoting collaboration and keeping stakeholders informed, project teams can make timely decisions and adapt to changing requirements or conditions, which can ultimately lead to a more successful final product.