When should a project kickoff call take place?

A project kickoff call is a pivotal moment in project management, serving as the formal beginning of the project. It establishes a shared understanding among stakeholders and aligns expectations. The most appropriate time for this call is once the project's objectives have been clearly defined and aligned with customer expectations.

This ensures that all participants are on the same page regarding what the project aims to achieve and what outcomes are anticipated. It provides an opportunity for stakeholders to voice concerns, clarify objectives, and gain consensus on the direction of the project. Conducting the kickoff at this stage increases the likelihood of achieving project goals, as it creates a strong foundation of communication and understanding among all parties involved.

The other choices do not present the ideal timing for a kickoff call. For example, holding the call after project completion would negate the purpose of the meeting, while conducting it before the project plan is created could lead to misalignment and confusion since there would be no structured approach or defined tasks to discuss. Similarly, having the call after allocating roles does not effectively establish the project's objectives, which is critical to ensure everyone understands their responsibilities in the context of the overall goals.