Project scope management refers to the act of defining and controlling all the processes involved in a project. All the work involved and the processes used to perform them are part of the project scope. The output of a part of a project is called a deliverable – a product such as software or hardware, planning documents or minutes of the meeting.
In scope management, the project manager ensures that only those processes that are needed in the successful completion of the project are done. In order to become effective at scope management project management, the manager needs to learn how to identify work and processes that are included and those that are not included in the scope of the project. What is involved in project scope management? It is the actual range of work needed to finish the project.
Best Practices for Project Scope Management
Here are some of the best practices that project managers do when it comes to project management scope:
- Collecting project requirements. This involves gathering the necessary information and data upon the start of the project. It is very essential that the project team understands the needs of the stakeholders so that the project manager can match them with the capabilities and constraints of its resources. The easiest way is to interview with the key stakeholders and ask about their expectations of the finished products, the deliverables and the schedule/deadline of the project. Once all the information are on hand, create a project scope management plan and identify the processes need to be defined, documented, verified, controlled, and managed that are within the scope.
- Defining the scope. After having collected the project requirements, it is now time to define the scope by writing down what the project includes and which are not needed. The project scope usually consists of deliverables, budget, and expected deadline. A clearly defined scope makes it easier for managers to adjust the changes as they come along.
- Creating a WBS. A Work Breakdown Structure is a graphical representation that shows the major tasks that need to be done so that the project is completed on time. The WBS framework allows for an easier way to plan and control the scope.
- Verifying the scope. This is a practice that is need to be done at the start and during the project cycle. In verifying the scope, meet with the stakeholder and present the deliverables to him so that he can formally accept them. Typically, stakeholders provide a written acceptance as well as any feedback on the work done.
- Monitoring the scope. As soon as the Scope has been defined, WBS is organized and the project has been formal accepted, the project manager can now manage and control the scope by having an established process in managing change requests. Avoid scope creep by attending to all requests as they come.
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