Product scope refers to the functions and features that characterize a product or service.
Project scope is defined as the work that must be done to deliver a product according to its required functions and features. The success of a project depends on everyone understanding what goes into it, which is also called “project scope.”
A project’s scope consists of the functionalities or specifications outlined in its requirements.
This can include its objectives, the constraints imposed on it by factors outside of development such as funding or timeline, and any additional features that make up a “wish list.”
The scope is sometimes expanded based on what stakeholders feel is missing from the project.
What is a project scope statement?
The project’s scope is documented in the project’s scope statement, making it an integral part of any successful plan.
And what is a scope statement exactly?
A Scope Statement is a document that clearly delineates what work will be done and what will not. The scope statement for this project, for example, would define the limits of the project. Anything outside those boundaries would be out-of-scope.
What does out of scope mean in project management?
These are anything that does not fall within the required functions and specifications documented in the scope statement.
What is project scope management?
According to the PMBOK: “Managing project scope is primarily concerned with defining and controlling what is and is not included in the project.”
What is involved in project scope management?
Here is the process of building a project plan statement. The PMBOK recognizes six major processes in managing and defining parameters for a project, which are:
1. Planning scope management
The scope management plan is created based on input from the project plan, the project charter, and consultation with stakeholders.
The scope management plan is a project document that includes the work breakdown structure, cost estimate, resource allocation, and timelines.
The plan helps to clarify the objectives of scope for each phase of development and identify any potential risks.
It also defines who has responsibility for what aspects in order to prevent unnecessary overlap or confusion among team members on their tasks.
2. Collecting requirements
A requirements management plan is developed based on the scope management plan and stakeholder feedback. Interviews, focus group discussions, surveys, and other methods will be implemented to understand requirements. Everything will be documented.
3. Defining scope
A project scope statement is a document that explains in detail what the project will entail and what is required from all parties involved. This includes requirements documentation, the project charter, and the scope management plan. This document aims to be used as a basis for all activities related to the project.
4. Creating the Work Breakdown Structure
A work breakdown structure (WBS) is typically the first thing a project manager will create when analyzing the scope statement and requirements documentation. Essentially, it’s a list of all tasks involved in accomplishing your project with deliverables clearly defined.
5. Validating scope
Deliverables are inspected and assessed here. The process either ends with them being accepted as complete or with additional adjustments being sought.
6. Controlling scope
While the project is being executed, it must be monitored and controlled. Performance reports are compared against project requirements to see where gaps exist, which will result in changes to the plan.
Monitoring and controlling the project includes measuring performance, testing for potential problems, and analyzing risks to identify areas that need improvement continually. This is a never-ending process as changes are made through time or new adjustments are needed.
My work experience includes roles as Project Control, Planner, Scheduler, and more. My responsibilities include fulfilling project manager needs in multinational companies by analyzing and presenting project feasibility related to planning (master schedule), monitoring and coordinating project schedules/progress, conducting delay analysis (EoT - Extension of Time), and mitigation analysis.
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