Which stakeholder typically approves the budget and major milestones?

• A. Project sponsor
• B. Team members
• C. Project manager
• D. Client

Answer: (A)

In governance terms, approving the budget and major milestones is an authority held by the project sponsor—the person who champions the project and controls the funding. The sponsor ensures the project has the resources it needs and that the plan’s top-level targets align with strategic objectives. They formally approve the baseline budget and gate significant milestones, acting as the decision-maker for major changes. The project manager plans and coordinates work, team members execute the tasks, and the client may review and accept deliverables, but the sponsor is the one with the formal approval power for money and schedule gates.