What are the project scope management processes?
All projects are constrained by a number of factors. For example, cost, time, quality, benefits, risks, and scope are among the major constraints that all project managers must work within in order to bring their project to completion. While understanding each constraint is crucial to a project manager’s success, scope is arguably the most critical factor, because it outlines all of the work that does and doesn’t fall within the project. Show
Below, we define “scope” as it relates to project management, explore the scope management process, and walk through the steps necessary to create a scope management plan. What is project scope?The term project scope refers to all of the discrete work and actions that are required to deliver the project’s stated objectives and deliverables on time and within budget. These objectives and deliverables are typically derived from the project charter, which defines the statement of objectives in a project; sets project goals, roles, and responsibilities; and identifies stakeholders. Ultimately it is the project charter that will provide the project framework required to plan the scope management process. In layman’s terms, a project’s scope identifies what is and is not a part of the project. A project’s scope is typically captured in a scope statement and defined by a work breakdown structure (WBS)—two important documents that are subsidiary to the project plan. What is scope creep?Scope creep is the phenomenon
by which a project’s requirements increase over the course of the project’s life cycle, beyond what was initially indicated in the project plan. There are many potential causes for scope creep. The Project Management Institute (PMI) defines the top five causes as:
Left unchecked, scope creep can lead to missed deadlines, blown budgets, and the delivery of a finished project that does not match the outlined purpose of the project charter. It’s for this reason that scope management is so important to the success of a project. What is scope management?Scope management is the process of identifying and defining what actions are required to deliver a project’s requirements. It also involves ensuring that that work is completed according to the project’s schedule and budget. Though scope management allows for changes to a project’s requirements and objectives, it also puts in place a formal change process in order to account for and minimize scope creep that could otherwise derail the project. Download Our Free Guide to Advancing Your Project Management CareerLearn what you need to know, from in-demand skills to the industry’s growing job opportunities. DOWNLOAD NOW Scope management involves taking a variety of inputs and
using various tools and techniques to generate outputs that will guide the process. Below is a quick breakdown of the different phases of the typical scope management process, as well as the outputs that will typically be generated during that phase:
How to Create a Scope Management PlanBelow is an overview of the main steps involved in creating a scope management plan. 1. Collect the required inputs.This includes the project management plan, project charter, enterprise environmental factors (EEFs), and organizational process assets (OPA), which you will reference and leverage to generate the scope management plan. 2. Generate a work breakdown structure (WBS).The work breakdown structure (WBS) is a document, typically in chart format, that outlines a project’s deliverables according to a set hierarchy.
Though the WBS does not in and of itself contain cost estimates, scheduling, activity dependencies, or resource assignments, it supports the creation of all of those discrete pieces of information, making it a critical piece of scope management. 3. Translate your WBS into discrete tasks.Once all of the project’s deliverables are outlined in the WBS, they must be translated into discrete tasks. This will require that:
4. Identify project requirements.In order to create an accurate scope statement, you must understand the business and stakeholder requirements that will guide the project. Without these requirements, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to be confident that the project addresses everything it is required to. A project’s requirements are typically captured in a document called the requirements management plan. This document defines a project’s approach to requirements management, including the methodology that will be used for identifying, prioritizing, and tracking these requirements. The first step in generating a scope management plan is to compile the requirements management plan. This will also involve identifying the project’s stakeholders. 5. Develop a scope statement.Armed with an understanding of the project’s requirements, it is now possible to begin developing the project scope statement. This document compiles a detailed description of all of the work that must be done in order to deliver the project’s requirements within its specified budget and schedule. Once the scope has been defined, it must also be validated and then controlled throughout the project. 6. Define your processes.Finally, it’s important to outline the processes that will guide the project’s scope management philosophy as the project team works toward delivering upon the project’s requirements. Doing so will remove any confusion or ambiguity before the project’s activities begin in earnest, while also providing a clear path forward. Some of the most important questions to be answered during this step include:
Developing Your Scope Management SkillsScope management is one of the most important parts of being a project manager. In addition to being how you ensure that a project delivers upon its requirements and objectives, it’s also the best method for preventing scope creep from derailing your ability to complete the project successfully. Learning how to effectively manage your project’s scope will be essential if you wish to pursue a career in project management. Many individuals who choose to go into the field do so by completing a formal project management education such as a master of science in project management. If you are considering taking such a step, it’s important to ensure you are choosing a program that includes scope management in the curriculum. The Master of Science in Project Management at Northeastern was designed to teach students everything they need to know about working in the field of project management. This includes coursework focused specifically on scope management, which offers insights into how projects are defined, evaluated, and ultimately translated into manageable project requirements and concrete deliverables. Taught by faculty members with real-world experience working in project management and paired with experiential learning opportunities in the form of co-ops and internships, there’s no better way of preparing yourself for a career in project management. To learn how a master’s degree in project management can help advance your career, download our free guide to breaking into the industry below. What are the five scope management processes?It includes:
Detailed project scope statement. Breakdown of all the project requirements. Expected project deliverables. Project change control process.
What are the steps of scope management process?Below is an overview of the main steps involved in creating a scope management plan.. Collect the required inputs. ... . Generate a work breakdown structure (WBS). ... . Translate your WBS into discrete tasks. ... . Identify project requirements. ... . Develop a scope statement. ... . Define your processes.. What are the 5 parts of a project scope plan?A well-written project scope includes goals, objectives, deliverables, a task plan, costs and deadlines of a project.
What are the 6 essential elements in project scoping?Developing a solid Statement of Work and Scope of Work, as well as an effective project scope plan, requires that you understand your client's needs and incorporate key elements such as the nature of work, participant names and roles, deliverables, timelines, success criteria, terms, and assumptions.
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