Which document serves as the criterion for measuring project scope before closing the project?

The Project Management Plan serves as the key document for measuring project scope before closing the project. This comprehensive document includes various subsidiary plans, such as the scope management plan and the quality management plan, ensuring that all elements related to the project are aligned towards the project's objectives.

When assessing project scope, the Project Management Plan provides a holistic view of what the project is set to achieve and how it is intended to be executed and monitored. It outlines the project's deliverables, milestones, and the criteria for success, which are critical in determining whether the project has met its goals and is ready for closure. By establishing a clear benchmark through the Project Management Plan, project managers can effectively evaluate progress and outcomes against predefined standards, ensuring that all aspects of the project have been addressed prior to formal closure.

Other documents, like the Project Charter, often serve initial purposes, such as authorizing the project, whereas the Scope Management Plan focuses on how to define and control the project scope but does not encapsulate the overall strategy of project execution and control. Similarly, the Quality Management Plan deals specifically with quality aspects rather than the broader scope of the project. Therefore, the Project Management Plan is the most appropriate reference for assessing and measuring project scope just before the project is closed.