1. Details what the project plans to do, when milestones will happen and how the team will do it.
2. Is a communication tool for the project and for outsiders of the expectations of the project.
3. Is a dynamic document that will be subject to repeated updates as the project progresses and new information is available.
4. Serves as a checklist to ensure that different steps in the development process will be incorporated to improve the probability of successful project completion.
5. Serves as a repository to document changes that take place in the direction of the project.