When evaluating project success, what should be aligned with critical success factors?

Aligning project outcomes with critical success factors is essential because critical success factors are the key areas that must be managed effectively to ensure the project meets its objectives and delivers value. These factors typically include specific goals, performance metrics, and desired results that align with the overall vision of the project.

When project outcomes are in alignment with these critical success factors, it indicates that the project has been successful in achieving its intended goals. This alignment offers a tangible measure of success and allows stakeholders to assess whether the project has delivered the expected benefits and met their needs. By evaluating how well the project outcomes match these predefined success criteria, project managers can have a clearer understanding of the project's effectiveness and its contribution to organizational objectives.

In contrast, while aspects like team dynamics, risk management strategies, and stakeholder feedback are important for project execution and overall satisfaction, they are not directly indicative of whether the project outcomes align with the established success criteria. They support the project’s progress but do not serve as the core measure of success in the same way as project outcomes do.