Scope of Work

Scope, Scope of Work, Scope Statement, Project Scope - All relate to the basic concept of what is required to be done to realize the objectives of a Project. It is a way of capturing the requirements and to list what is covered and what is not covered in a project. This is one of the mediums in which the Customer, Project Manager and hence the implementing Organization(s) communicate the Project Objectives. Also, this is one of the main areas of focus for a project manager for following reasons.

Since there are many organizations involved, the involvement of each organization should be carefully analyzed in order to choose one organization to define the scope of work for that organization (implementing organization). A very common risk is that sometimes a Scope of Work is designed to respond to more than one organization. Every Scope of Work should respond to one organization, without excluding the participation of other organizations as stakeholders but not as the implementing organization.

1. During Project Selection, it decides if it is within the Capabilities of the performing Organization and helps in determining the benefits of executing it.
2. It allows for a Project Manager to make accurate estimations and assumptions regarding Time, Cost and Resource requirements and their associated risks.
3. It allows the Project Manager to monitor the project progress and to take corrective actions.
4. A well defined project scope helps the PM and other Stakeholders to find a common ground for project communication and gets a buy in for the project from all parties involved.
5. And finally, If not planned and controlled well, it can break projects, even if all other aspects are on track.