What is the most likely reason for delays when seeking customer approval of project deliverables?

The most likely reason for delays when seeking customer approval of project deliverables is that the success criteria aren't clear and quantifiable. When the criteria for success are vague or not well defined, it can lead to misunderstandings about what the customer expects. Clear and quantifiable criteria are essential for both the project team and the customer, as they provide a shared understanding of the project’s goals and the standards that deliverables must meet to gain approval. If the criteria are ambiguous, the customer may hesitate to approve deliverables as they are uncertain whether these meet their expectations.

This uncertainty can cause significant delays, as further discussions and clarifications will be required before any approval can be granted. Conversely, if success criteria are clearly established from the outset, it allows for smoother communication and decision-making, ultimately reducing the chance of delays related to customer approval.