A project scope statement is a document that provides details of the project, the product scope, and the project deliverables. It includes a detailed description of the tasks to be executed, assumptions, constraints, milestones, and more. The project scope statement helps stakeholders understand the project and product scope, reduces the chances of scope creep, assists in developing the project plan, and helps in developing project baselines.
Key Facts
- Definition: The project scope statement provides details of the project, the product scope, and the project deliverables. It includes a detailed description of the tasks to be executed, assumptions, constraints, milestones, and more.
- Importance: The project scope statement helps stakeholders understand the project and product scope, reduces the chances of scope creep, assists in developing the project plan, and helps in developing project baselines.
- Contents: The project scope statement includes the following elements:
- Product Scope Description: A detailed description of the product to be produced.
- Product Acceptance Criteria: Criteria by which the consumers will readily accept the product.
- Project Deliverables: The project outputs, including software or documents.
- Project Exclusions: Elements that are outside the project’s boundaries.
- Project Constraints: Resource, organizational, political, technological, and other constraints that affect performance.
- Project Assumptions: Conditions accepted to be true for the project to function smoothly.
- Milestones: Significant stages in the project’s timeline where crucial events occur.
- Agreement: Stakeholders’ sign-off at the end of the statement, indicating their support.
- Development: Developing a project scope statement involves identifying requirements, defining products, defining major deliverables, defining milestones, specifying acceptance criteria, and identifying project exclusions.
- Characteristics: A robust project scope statement should be detailed but simple, providing a detailed overview without complex jargon. It should also be specific, answering particular questions about the execution of tasks.
Importance
The project scope statement is an important tool for project managers and stakeholders. It helps to:
- Understand the project and product scope
- Reduce the chances of scope creep
- Assist in developing the project plan
- Develop project baselines
Contents
The project scope statement includes the following elements:
- Product Scope DescriptionA detailed description of the product to be produced.
- Product Acceptance CriteriaCriteria by which the consumers will readily accept the product.
- Project DeliverablesThe project outputs, including software or documents.
- Project ExclusionsElements that are outside the project’s boundaries.
- Project ConstraintsResource, organizational, political, technological, and other constraints that affect performance.
- Project AssumptionsConditions accepted to be true for the project to function smoothly.
- MilestonesSignificant stages in the project’s timeline where crucial events occur.
- AgreementStakeholders’ sign-off at the end of the statement, indicating their support.
Development
Developing a project scope statement involves the following steps:
- Identifying requirements
- Defining products
- Defining major deliverables
- Defining milestones
- Specifying acceptance criteria
- Identifying project exclusions
Characteristics
A robust project scope statement should be:
- Detailed but SimpleIt should provide a detailed overview without complex jargon.
- SpecificIt should answer particular questions about the execution of tasks.
Conclusion
The project scope statement is an essential tool for project managers and stakeholders. It helps to ensure that all parties are on the same page about the project’s goals, objectives, and deliverables. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can develop a project scope statement that will help you to successfully manage your project.
References
- https://pmstudycircle.com/project-scope-statement/
- https://www.globalknowledge.com/us-en/resources/resource-library/articles/project-scope-management/
- https://www.simplilearn.com/scope-statement-in-a-project-what-to-do-and-what-not-to-rar232-article
FAQs
What is a project scope statement?
A project scope statement is a document that provides details of the project, the product scope, and the project deliverables. It includes a detailed description of the tasks to be executed, assumptions, constraints, milestones, and more.
What is the importance of a project scope statement?
The project scope statement is an important tool for project managers and stakeholders. It helps to understand the project and product scope, reduce the chances of scope creep, assist in developing the project plan, and develop project baselines.
What are the contents of a project scope statement?
The project scope statement includes the following elements: product scope description, product acceptance criteria, project deliverables, project exclusions, project constraints, project assumptions, milestones, and agreement.
How is a project scope statement developed?
Developing a project scope statement involves the following steps: identifying requirements, defining products, defining major deliverables, defining milestones, specifying acceptance criteria, and identifying project exclusions.
What are the characteristics of a robust project scope statement?
A robust project scope statement should be detailed but simple, providing a detailed overview without complex jargon. It should also be specific, answering particular questions about the execution of tasks.
What are some tips for writing a project scope statement?
Here are some tips for writing a project scope statement:
- Involve all stakeholders in the process
- Be clear and concise
- Use simple language
- Be specific
- Be realistic
- Get sign-off from all stakeholders
What are some common challenges in managing project scope?
Some common challenges in managing project scope include:
- Scope creep
- Unrealistic expectations
- Poor communication
- Lack of stakeholder involvement
- Changing requirements
How can project managers overcome the challenges of managing project scope?
Project managers can overcome the challenges of managing project scope by:
- Developing a clear and concise project scope statement
- Communicating the project scope to all stakeholders
- Managing stakeholder expectations
- Controlling scope creep
- Being flexible and adaptable