Scope Management in Projects

Understanding Scope

• Scope includes all work necessary to achieve project goals per the project charter.
• Managing scope involves:
  • Understanding requirements
  • Determining work to meet those requirements
  • Decomposing work for assignment and scheduling
  • Monitoring and controlling the scope

Understanding Requirements

• Analogous to using a telescope to view the project's end goal.
• Predictive/Waterfall Lifecycle:
  • Detailed requirements visible from the start
  • Example: House blueprint
• Adaptive/Agile Lifecycle:
  • Requirements become clearer as the project progresses
  • Example: Developing the COVID-19 vaccine

Determining Work to Meet Requirements

• Involves consulting with subject matter experts (SMEs).
• Identify deliverables and sub-deliverables that are:
  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Attainable
  • Relevant
  • Time-based

Decomposing Work for Assignment and Scheduling

• Break down work into manageable elements.
• Assign tasks to appropriate team members.
• Track task completion.

Monitoring and Controlling Scope

• Waterfall Projects:
  • Scope defined at the beginning.
  • Constantly monitored and controlled for changes.
• Agile Projects:
  • Scope defined and redefined at the start of each sprint.
  • Monitored and controlled during each sprint.