What component is NOT included in the project budget?

The project budget typically encompasses all direct costs related to the execution of a specific project, which often includes site preparation costs, consultant fees, and land acquisition expenses. These components are essential for initiating and completing a project, as they involve tangible financial investments that are necessary for the project's development.

Operational costs, however, are generally associated with the ongoing expenses needed to maintain and run a project after its completion, rather than costs incurred during its construction or implementation phase. These costs may encompass utilities, maintenance, staffing, and other recurring expenses tied to the day-to-day operation. Because operational costs are not directly incurred as part of the project’s development budget, they are excluded from the project budget itself and instead fall under broader operational or maintenance budgets that are managed separately. Thus, it stands to reason that operational costs do not belong in the project budget context.