End Date in Project Management – Definition and Meaning
The end date refers to the planned or actual date on which a specific project activity, work package, project phase, or the entire project is to be or has been completed. It is used to define the project schedule, set deadlines, and mark project completion. End dates are typically listed in schedules and Gantt charts and indicate the point in time by which the respective work or project goal should be achieved.
Example, best practice, and further information
In a marketing project, the end date for launching a new campaign could be the day all planned advertising materials have been successfully published and the campaign has gone live. A best practice is to set realistic end dates while considering buffer times and potential risks. This aligns with time management according to the PMBOK Guide and agile release planning. Clear end dates help manage stakeholder expectations and ensure timely delivery of project outcomes.