The scope of a project consists of the project scope and the product scope. The project scope is defined as the work that must be performed to deliver the required products, services, or results with the specified functions and features. The product scope is the set of functions and features that characterize a product, service, or result to be delivered by the current project.
It is about both what is included in the project and what is not. In other words, scoping a project means drawing boundaries around it, so that everyone knows what will be done and what will not be done. The importance of managing the project scope cannot be overemphasized because it has a profound impact on the overall success of the project.
If you feel the scope management is not important, imagine this:
Let's say you started a project to deliver an online banking website for ABC Bank and are 6 months into development. The go live date is in 12 weeks and the customer wants to include credit card information in the website. This was not part of the initial estimates & scope.
Unfortunately, your project manager accepted this because he wanted to please the customer.
Now think what will happen to you and your team mates? You all will be neck deep in unexpected work and the next 12 weeks will be most miserable work days of your life and that is only if you manage to deliver the project to the customer. If you don't, then its only going to get worse…
If your project manager had put his foot down and said, the credit card details were not part of the initial scope & estimate and a change of this magnitude cannot be taken up in such a short notice of 12 weeks, imagine the scenario…
Now you get the idea of why scope management is important?
Organizational process assets Scope management plan The project charter Requirements documentation
Project scope documents can be define as a work or service that must be done or conclude at a giving time or at a proper schedule time by the contractor or the customers.
A Projects Scope outlines what work will be done/accomplished as part of the project and also outlines what would not be done as part of the current project Without a list of what needs to be done, how can you expect a team to execute a project? Without knowing what to do, the team will be lost and eventually the project will be a failure. The project scope is created in the "Define Scope" process and how the project scope is handled is outlined in the Scope Management Plan
To create a project charter effectively, clearly define the project's objectives, scope, stakeholders, and timeline. Include key deliverables, resources, and risks. Obtain approval from project sponsors and stakeholders to ensure alignment and commitment. Regularly review and update the charter as needed to keep the project on track.
Documenting the project scope is important because it helps define the goals, deliverables, and boundaries of the project. It provides a clear understanding of what needs to be accomplished, which helps in managing expectations, avoiding scope creep, and ensuring that the project stays on track and within budget.
The Project Charter, Req Documents, Scope management Plan, Organizatioanl Process assets
The scope of a project refers to the boundaries and parameters defining what is included and excluded in the project. It outlines the specific deliverables, tasks, and objectives that need to be achieved, as well as the resources required and any constraints that may impact the project. Clearly defining the scope helps to prevent scope creep, ensures stakeholder alignment, and facilitates effective project management.
The project's scope management plan will define how scope changes will be addressed and controlled throughout the project. The requirements management plan will outline how project requirements will be identified, documented, and managed, including how changes to requirements will be addressed.
To write a project charter effectively, clearly define the project's purpose, objectives, scope, and stakeholders. Include key deliverables, timelines, and resources needed. Obtain approval from key stakeholders and ensure alignment with organizational goals. Regularly review and update the charter as needed to keep the project on track.
The first step a project manager will take when defining the project scope is to clearly outline the project objectives and deliverables. This involves identifying the goals, requirements, and boundaries of the project to ensure a clear understanding of what needs to be accomplished.
The Project Scope Statement is the output of the Project Scope Definition activity. The project scope statement serves the following purposes: • It serves as a component to the baseline that will be used to evaluate whether the request for a change or additional work falls within or beyond the scope of the project. • By providing a common understanding of the project scope, the scope statement helps bring the stakeholders onto the same page in their expectations. • Because the scope statement describes the deliverables and the work required to create those deliverables, it is used to create a WBS, which helps in scheduling the project. • It serves as a guide for the project team to do more in-depth planning, if necessary, and to perform work during project execution.
To effectively develop a project charter, one should clearly define the project's purpose, objectives, scope, stakeholders, and success criteria. It is important to involve key stakeholders in the process, establish a timeline and budget, and obtain approval from project sponsors. Regular communication and updates throughout the project are also essential for its success.