Scope of work

Scope of work which is also known as a definition package describes which service is required by the company along with the description of the kind of environment in which this service takes place. Its a part of the contract where some kind of engineer must lend his services in order to because contract might need technical expertise to determine whether it is even possible. Scope of work also determines the competency when identifying the problem.

Steps of scope of work

Scope of work as a process has four steps which overlap:

• Determining the scope of work which is also called a preliminary determination
• Confirming the scope of work also called confirmed determination
• Performing the scope of work which is basically executing it
• Disclosing the scope of work as part of a report

Main influences on the scope of work

Scope of work may be affected by many things such as :

• Customer's needs
• The way in which the service is performed or used
• Various factors such as kind of property in an appraisal
• Conditions in which the undertaking takes place

Main elements of the scope of work

The scope of work consists of many different elements, although most people assume it is the only list of items of performance listed in the subcontract for a certain project. The scope of work also includes the responsibilities of various parties involved in the project such as contract administration or facilities. This means that the scope of work describes in detail what actual work needs to be done.

Main goal of the scope of work

The main goal of the scope of work is the market analysis, which is directed by the scope of work. They are so close to each other that it is almost impossible to perform the task successfully without one of them. Thanks to the scope of work, analysis is directed toward the information that answer the questions that arise during the project. It helps in the problem identification and supports the main purposes of the project.

Examples of Scope of work

• Designing of electrical systems for a factory: A scope of work should include an analysis of the factory's current electrical infrastructure, an assessment of its power needs, and a plan for upgrading the system to meet current standards.
• Creating an inventory system for a store: A scope of work should include an analysis of the store's current inventory system, an assessment of its needs, and a plan for creating an optimized system to meet the store's demands.
• Designing a website for a business: A scope of work should include an analysis of the business's current website, an assessment of its needs, and a plan for creating an optimized website that meets the business's goals.
• Creating a database for a company: A scope of work should include an analysis of the company's current data needs, an assessment of its objectives, and a plan for creating a database system that meets the company's requirements.

Advantages of Scope of work

The advantages of Scope of Work include:

• Clarifying the expectations between the contracting parties: The scope of work clearly outlines the services to be delivered, as well as the expected results, thus preventing any misunderstandings between the two parties.
• Ensuring that all activities are addressed: Scope of work specifies the necessary activities that must be performed in order to achieve the desired results.
• Facilitating the cost management: A detailed scope of work helps both parties to forecast and manage the cost of services.
• Ensuring compliance with applicable regulations: Scope of work helps to ensure that all activities are carried out in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Minimizing the risk of disputes: The scope of work helps to prevent any disputes, which may arise due to misunderstanding.
• Helping to identify the resources needed: Scope of work also helps to identify the necessary resources required to complete the project.

Limitations of Scope of work

• The scope of work is limited in that it does not necessarily include a detailed analysis of all technical aspects of the project. This means that the scope of work does not detail all the components or processes involved in the project and may not provide enough information to enable the company to assess the feasibility or cost of the project.
• The scope of work also does not provide specific guidance on how the project should be carried out, leaving the company to determine the most efficient and cost-effective way to reach the desired outcome.
• The scope of work may also not include any legal or contractual requirements that might be necessary for the project. This means that the company must take extra steps to ensure that all legal requirements are met, and that the company is not exposed to any legal or financial liability.
• The scope of work does not necessarily provide a comprehensive list of all tasks that must be completed in order to complete the project. This means that the company must take extra steps to identify and document all tasks that must be completed.
• The scope of work does not provide any guidance on how to measure the success of the project. This means that the company must develop its own metrics for measuring the success of the project.

Other approaches related to Scope of work

In order to define the scope of work, there are several approaches that are available. These approaches include:

• Requirements Analysis: This approach involves a systematic review of the project requirements to be completed. It involves creating a list of all the tasks that need to be completed and then prioritizing them according to the level of importance.
• Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): This approach involves breaking down the project into smaller, manageable tasks. This allows for the project to be completed in a more efficient manner.
• Cost Estimation: This approach involves estimating the cost of each task in the project. This can help to ensure that the project is completed within the allocated budget.
• Resource Allocation: This approach involves allocating the appropriate resources for each task in the project. It involves assigning the right type of personnel and equipment to each task in order to ensure that the project is completed in a timely fashion.

In conclusion, there are many approaches to defining the scope of work for a project. These approaches include requirements analysis, work breakdown structure, cost estimation, and resource allocation. Each of these approaches can help to ensure that the project is completed within the allocated budget and timeline.

Footnotes

Scope of work — recommended articles

Preparation of project — Project initiation — Stages of project — Project charter — Project scope — Quality plan — Resource plan — Baseline schedule — Project feasibility study

References

• Coleman S.C. (2006), Scope of work, Appraisal Institute, Chicago
• Kelleher Jr. T. J., Mastin J. M., Robey R. G., Smith, Currie & Hancock LLP (2014),Smith, Currie and Hancock's common sense construction law: a practical guide for the construction professional, John Wiley & Sons, New Jersey, p. 257
• Munizzo M.A., Musial L.V. (2010), General market analysis and highest and best use, Cengage Learning, Boston, p. 21-22, 30
• Nardone P.J. (2009), Well testing project management: onshore and offshore operations, Gulf Professional Publishing, Houston, p. 116
• Pappas M.P., Gibson Jr. G.E. (2004), Starting smart: key practices for developing scopes of work for facility projects, National Academies Press, Washington

Author: Kacper Klimek