In Project Management, “scope” refers to the detailed set of deliverables or features of a project. These deliverables are derived from a project’s requirements. Scope in project management includes everything that needs to be done to successfully complete a project, and it often includes:
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Project Objectives: The primary goals and aspirations of the project. These objectives should be clear and measurable.
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Deliverables: The tangible and intangible products or services that will be provided upon the project’s completion. This can include reports, a piece of software, a building, or any other physical or digital product.
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Boundaries: What is included and excluded in the project. This clarity helps in ensuring that the project does not suffer from scope creep, where the scope extends beyond its initial objectives.
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Tasks: The work that needs to be performed to deliver the deliverables. This can involve various activities, stages, or steps in the project.
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Resources: What resources (time, money, equipment, etc.) are required to bring the project to completion.
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Time: The schedule for when each task should be completed and when the project as a whole should reach completion.
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Stakeholders: All the parties involved in the project, including clients, team members, managers, and any other stakeholders.
Understanding the scope is crucial in project management as it directly influences the time and cost of a project. It is typically documented in a scope statement or a project scope document. A well-defined scope can help in managing the expectations of stakeholders, and it provides a guideline for staying on track with the project’s goals and objectives.