5 steps to create a clear project scope

Does your project need some direction?

Create a project scope that lists your project's:

• goals and deliverables

• milestones

• obstacles

• stakeholders

Present your project's scope in a document called a scope statement or statement of workthat guides the project to its end goal, on time and within budget.

The scope includes goals and deliverables for the project.

• Goals are what your project will achieve for the customer or client. Will it increase sales targets or contribute to the community?

• Deliverables support the project goalslike a performance report, a prototype, or a demonstration.

TIP: Be flexible!

Goals may change or shift because of obstacles that come up during the project.

When writing the project goals, involve everyone on the project. They may help you include things you missed or avoid goals that will cause a scope creep.

These are hard to predict, so start with any obstacles that may come up and work outward.

What could cause an increase in budget or delay the project?

• Someone got sick and cannot work on the project.

• A stakeholder wants to add a few deliverables that will increase production time.

• The client changes their mind about the goals half-way through the project.

TIP: Think ahead!

Include every possible thing that could go wrong with the project and then create a back-up plan.

Make a list of all the resources the project will need.

• Include potential costs and savings, supplies, and hours of work.

• Include anything or anyone you still need to acquire.

• Share the list with the client or stakeholder.

TIP: Be thorough!

Include as much relevant information as you can.

Milestones are key tasks with specific deadlines.

• The scope only shows the major milestones.

• It's a general timeline for the project, so more details can be added later.

• Each milestone has a deadline to work towards.

TIP: Budget extra time!

What do you do if you miss a milestone? Budget extra time at the end of the project for this scenario so you can adjust as you go.

A stakeholder is anyone who has high-level interest or money invested in the project.

• Use the milestone as a guide to identify who the clients and/or stakeholders are.

• The list should include what they are responsible for.

• Include anyone that makes important decisions or final sign-offs.

• Anyone important to the project who's not a stakeholder can be listed as a "resource."

TIP: Be specific!

Clearly outline the specific responsibilities of everyone on this list.

Creating a clear project scope is essential to planning, managing, and completing a project successfully.

Before you write your next project scope, ask yourself: