Decision Log

Frequently there are alternatives in developing a product or managing a project. Using a decision log can help keep track of the decisions that were made, who made them, and when they were made. A decision log can include:

• Identifier
• Category
• Decision
• Responsible party
• Date
• Comments

The decision log is not listed explicitly in the PMBOK® Guide – Sixth Edition; however, it can be very helpful in managing the day-to-day activities of the project. It is a dynamic document that is created at the start of the project and is maintained throughout the project.

Tailoring Tips

Consider the following tips to help tailor the decision log to meet your needs:

• For projects that are large, complicated, or complex you can add fields to identify the impacts of the decision on deliverables or project objectives.
• You could add a field that documents which stakeholders are impacted by the decision or should be involved with making the decision or should be informed of the decision.

Alignment

The decision log should be aligned and consistent with the following documents:

• Project scope statement
• Responsibility assignment matrix
• Communications management plan
• Issue register