Scope It Out

  ProjectsAtWork  

Developing well-defined boundaries can help your project reach its desired destination

If you're looking for a way to keep people focused on project goals, look no further than the scope document. The scope describes tasks and deliverables that will satisfy the requirements of the stakeholders. Defined in a project's initiation phase, the scope can either be a stand-alone document or incorporated into the business case or charter.                     

"Scope is a very important part of the project," says Denise Rice, PMP, project manager of the Pension Gold Division of Levi, Ray & Shoup in  Springfield, Ill. "It can make or break it."

Most project managers agree that without a well-defined scope, a project could be put at risk. A project can also be placed in jeopardy if the scope is not adhered to.                       

Here, three project managers offer advice on how to overcome scope barriers and keep a project on track.

Set the Boundaries

Scope boundaries identify what is inside and what is outside the objectives of the project. These boundaries define the intended goals. During the planning …

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