What is scope management?
Definition
Scope management is the process whereby the outputs, outcomes and benefits are identified, defined and controlled. ‘Scope’ is the term used in the management of projects to refer to the totality of the outputs, outcomes and benefits and the work required to produce them.
Project scope
In defining project scope, it is important to be clear about the boundaries and interfaces with adjacent projects.
The way in which scope is managed depends upon the project life cycle. A high level scope is typically recorded in the business case in support of the chosen option and its investment appraisal.
Clearly defining what is in and out of scope prevents the risk of misunderstanding at a later point in the project that may lead to emerging issues and change requests.
During the scoping process, assumptions are documented to clarify the work that is part of the scope. And the detailed scope of work emerges from the decomposition of chosen option to meet the sponsors requirements.
Life cycle
In projects with a linear life cycle, the baseline scope of work is defined through a breakdown structure to define the activities which will be scheduled and resourced to meet all the requirements and benefits. Scope definition is assumed to be fixed.
In projects using an iterative life cycle, it is equally important to structure the scope of work and record the assumptions. The difference in this scenario is that the ‘must-have’ requirements are prioritised in user stories and these are translated into a target scope of work to be achieved within a fixed time window with defined resources.
Related reading
What is the difference between product breakdown structure (PBS) and a work breakdown structure (WBS)? RESOURCE
The output of scope management is a specification that may be presented as a product breakdown structure (PBS) showing the deliverables and a work breakdown structure (WBS) showing the work required to produce them.
The 10 golden rules of planning BLOG
Help organisations develop project management methods and deliver training to both new and experienced project professionals.
APM Body of Knowledge 7th edition
Read more about scope in chapter four of the APM Body of Knowledge 7th edition.
The APM Body of Knowledge 7th edition is a foundational resource providing the concepts, functions and activities that make up professional project management. It reflects the developing profession, recognising project-based working at all levels, and across all sectors for influencers, decision makers, project professionals and their teams.
The seventh edition continues in the spirit of previous editions, collaborating with the project community to create a foundation for the successful delivery of projects, programmes and portfolios.
Could you be a project manager?
A good place to start is to visit our careers section; this provides you with the tools and resources to begin your project management journey.
