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Developing a Project Scope Statement 

The Project Scope Statement describes, in detail, the deliverables and the work needed to create a product, service, or result.

In our previous post, we covered the essential element, Identify Stakeholders. It’s important to identify anyone who can affect, or be affected by, the project or the product. But, to be a successful project manager, it’s also necessary to know how to develop a project scope statement, so that’s what we’ll cover below.

What Is Product Scope?

Project scope describes the product, service, or result of the project with its features and functions.

It also describes the work needed to create or produce the product, service, or result.

How Do You Create a Project Scope Statement?

A scope statement is created with input from stakeholders. And it involves analysis of the project, translating objectives into deliverables.

Requirements, and requirements analysis, should be as complete as possible before planning starts. Doing so will help you obtain clear direction and agreement on the expected project scope. If this has not been completed, the project manager is responsible for leading the efforts of requirements management.

The scope statement format may vary based on the needs of the project. Many of the topics addressed in the project charter are covered in more detail in the scope statement.

A Project Scope Statement Should Include:

Product scope description: Overall description and characteristics of the project’s product, service, or result, and the work needed to produce the product

Project boundaries: What is and isn’t included in the project

Project deliverables: Specific items to be created, produced, or delivered

Acceptance criteria: Documentation of what will be acceptable

Project constraints: Detailed time, cost, and other factors that affect scope

Project assumptions: Detailed list of what is assumed to be true but may not be true

Write It Down and Share It with Your Team

Your project scope statement should be in writing to prevent any miscommunication. Because this document supports the work to properly plan a project and demonstrate success when the project is completed, it’s an essential tool that you should be using for each and every project you lead.

Want to learn more about project scope? RMC’s PM Crash Course, Second Edition: A Guide to What REALLY Matters when Managing Projects offers help with real-world project management issues, including how to avoid scope creep and missed deadlines.

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