Project Scope Management
The scope of a project is defined as “the specific focus or content of the project. It describes the outputs, outcomes and benefits and the work required to produce them. It also deals with the counterpart, describing what is not contained in or part of the project. In essence, scope defines the boundaries of the project.” (IPMA’s ICB 4)
The project scope is the result of shared understanding with the client/sponsor and must be protected from unplanned modifications.
The project deliverables are the tangible and intangible assets of the project by means of which the expected effects and benefits are to be realised. They are the measurable results by which the project management success is judged.
Project scope involves all the deliverables and all the work that may not be visible to the client/sponsor.
Why do we have to detail the work that the customer will not see? Because the cost and time will be visible and customers tend to associate the cost to what they can perceive as valuable. What they don’t see directly, are difficult to price so you need to explicit all that is needed to provide good results.
TIP: Do not forget to explicit the exclusions, that is all the work that will NOT be done. Explicit exclusions ensure that the client/sponsor fully understands the limit of what will be provided, avoiding future legal actions against the Project Manager or the Project Management Office.
