Project scope

The scope of the project is a document that is the basis for determining further work in the project, because it defines the boundaries of the project (in various senses: financial, time, people, material, etc.). It is very important to properly define the scope of the project, because it will provide the basis for further work in the project. Scope of the project undergoes many changes. It is important to detect changes in the scope of the project and to manage them

Contents of the project scope

Project scope document must contain an estimate of the expected stability of the project scope, i.e. what is the likelihood that the plan will change and how often and to what extent. Plan of scope management must describe how the change in the project scope will be identified, defined, classified and implemented.

Importance of the project scope

Defining the project scope is of great importance for achieving its objectives. If the scope of the project will be poorly defined, it may happen that the project costs will be higher because of a small (according to managers) change, causing the need to repeat some of the work, which extends the duration of the project and its cost.

The scope of the project is defined differently. In the IT industry it can be a functional specification of software or hardware system. Project scope can be called differently in various industries, e.g.: form of the project, statement of the project scope, etc.

Elements of the project scope

The scope of the project may include:

• project business justification – description of needs, which took the decision to launch the project (business case),
• description of the product - summary description of the product, which will be produced during the implementation of the project, deliverables of project (i.e. in software industry: source code, prototype, user manual). Project objectives should include a timetable, costs, quality measures, etc.
• intermediate products - list of partial products which will be delivered during project implementation,
• project objectives or criteria that should be met, before the project could be regarded as completed.

See also:

• Budget of a project

Examples of Project scope

• Developing a mobile application: This project scope involves designing and developing a mobile application with specific features and functionalities that meet the user needs. The scope should include the platform for the application (iOS, Android, etc.), the timeline for the project, the budget, the scope of the development team, the feature set, the testing and launch plan, and any other necessary details.
• Building a bridge: This project scope involves designing, constructing, and maintaining a bridge that connects two areas. The scope should include the site preparation, timeline, budget, materials needed, construction team, safety protocols, and any other details.
• Creating a website: This project scope involves designing and creating a website with specific features and functionalities that meet the user needs. The scope should include the design, timeline, budget, development team, feature set, testing and launch plan, and any other necessary details.

Advantages of Project scope

Project scope provides a number of advantages to a project. These advantages include:

• Clarity and Focus - A project scope clearly defines the purpose, objectives and deliverables of the project, providing a clear focus on what needs to be achieved.
• Accountability - With a clearly defined scope, the team members and stakeholders involved in the project are held accountable for their tasks, which helps to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.
• Improved Communication - With a project scope document in place, communication between stakeholders and team members is improved, as everyone is aware of the project’s goals, objectives and deliverables.
• Cost and Time Savings - With a well-defined scope, project teams can better prioritize tasks, which reduces wasted time and money on unnecessary tasks or activities.
• Conflict Resolution - A project scope document can help to prevent and resolve conflicts between stakeholders and team members, as it provides a clear outline of each party’s responsibilities.

Limitations of Project scope

The limitations of project scope include:

• Financial: The financial aspect of the project scope must be taken into consideration when planning the project, including budgeting for necessary materials, labour and other resources.
• Time: The time frame of the project must be clearly defined and should take into account the amount of time it will take to complete the project, as well as any contingencies that may arise.
• People: The project scope must consider the amount of people needed to complete the work as well as the skills and abilities needed for the job.
• Material: The scope must outline the physical materials that will be needed to complete the project, such as tools, equipment, and other materials.
• Processes: The project scope must also include any processes that will be used to complete the project and the implementation of those processes.
• Quality: The project scope must outline any quality control measures that will be put in place to ensure that the project is completed to the required standard.

Other approaches related to Project scope

The following are some other approaches related to project scope:

• Defining objectives: This involves identifying the project goals, objectives and expected outcomes. These should be clearly outlined and agreed upon by all stakeholders.
• Determining scope and boundaries: This involves determining the scope of the project and what is included and excluded from the project. This should also include any assumptions and constraints the project will have.
• Planning activities and tasks: This involves breaking down the project into smaller tasks and activities, and identifying the resources, timeline and budget needed to complete them.
• Establishing procedures: This involves developing processes and procedures to ensure the project is managed effectively. This should include communication plans, risk management plans, and quality assurance.

In summary, other approaches related to project scope include defining objectives, determining scope and boundaries, planning activities and tasks, and establishing procedures. These approaches are essential for ensuring a successful project outcome.

Project scope — recommended articles

Deliverable of the project — Subproject — Project management plan — Mechanisms of control — Project boundary — Preparation of project — Scope of work — Project charter — Stages of project

References

• Clark, K. B. (2003). Project Scope and Project Performance. Operations Management: Critical Perspectives on Business and Management, 3(10), 446.
• Khan, A. (2006). Project scope management. Cost engineering, 48(6), 12-16.
• Kraus, W. E., & Cressman, K. R. (1992). Project Scope Definition-A Practical Approach, COST ENGINEERING-ANN ARBOR THEN MORGANTOWN-, 34, 15-15.
• Meredith, J. R., & Mantel Jr, S. J. (2011). Project management: a managerial approach. John Wiley & Sons.
• PMI (2001). Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® GUIDE). In Project Management Institute.