What is a potential risk if stakeholders are not involved in the estimating phase?

Engaging stakeholders during the estimating phase is crucial because they provide valuable input that can significantly shape the project’s requirements and expectations. When stakeholders are not involved, the estimating process may lack essential insights they could offer regarding functionality, priorities, timelines, and any specific constraints or preferences. This omission can lead to estimations that do not align with stakeholders' actual needs, potentially resulting in misunderstandings or gaps in the project scope.

Involving stakeholders ensures that their perspectives and experiences contribute to a more holistic and realistic estimate, ultimately improving the project's chances of success. Their feedback can help clarify ambiguities and provide details that might not be evident to the estimating team alone. This collaborative approach minimizes the risk of project delays or cost overruns caused by unmet expectations or unaddressed requirements later in the project lifecycle.