terms of reference
Scope and mandate
Terms of reference are the scope and limits of what a committee, inquiry, or investigation is authorized to examine.
They define what questions can be asked, what evidence is relevant, and what falls outside the mandate: The commission's terms of reference excluded events before 2010.
The phrase often appears when someone argues a matter lies beyond what an inquiry was set up to address.
Defined boundaries or constraints
- boundariesLines marking separation
- purviewRange of authority
- jurisdictionLegal authority's scope
- ambitSphere of operation
extent · reach · domain · range · remit · breadth · scope · limits
Arrangement of interconnected parts
- guidelinesSuggested rules for behavior
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
- proceduresSet methods for tasks
- blueprintDetailed technical drawing
outline · template · mandate · charter · brief · directive · commission · instructions
Standards for judgment
- normsExpected behavioral standards
- benchmarksStandards for measuring performance
- metricsStandards for assessment
- baselineStandard for comparison
yardstick · gauge · measure · touchstone · conventions · principles · requirements · expectations
Intended end results
- aimsPurposes or targets
- targetsIntended aims or marks
- purposesGoals or reasons behind actions
- outcomesFinal results achieved
deliverables · intentions · mission · mandate · agenda · priorities · milestones · benchmarks
parameters
Defined boundaries or constraints
- boundariesLines marking separation
- purviewRange of authority
- jurisdictionLegal authority's scope
ambit · extent · reach · domain · range · remit · breadth · scope · limits · constraints
structure
Arrangement of interconnected parts
- guidelinesSuggested rules for behavior
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
- proceduresSet methods for tasks
blueprint · outline · template · mandate · charter · brief · directive · commission · instructions · specifications
criteria
Standards for judgment
- normsExpected behavioral standards
- benchmarksStandards for measuring performance
- metricsStandards for assessment
baseline · yardstick · gauge · measure · touchstone · conventions · principles · requirements · expectations · quality standards
goals
Intended end results
outcomes · deliverables · intentions · mission · mandate · agenda · priorities · milestones · benchmarks · vision
terms of referenceverbal agreement
Spoken mutual commitment
improvisation · loose guidelines · tacit agreement · gentleman's agreement
terms, term, reference, refer, referred, referring, referral, referent, referential