Project Scope Statement

Posted by SkillMaker in Dec, 2016

Project Scope Statement

A project scope statement is a statement of what the project will deliver and under what circumstances (e.g. constraints, assumptions). In respect to some components, it is an informed ‘best guess’, but it ensures that all parties with an interest in the project (e.g. the project team, sponsor and others stakeholders) know and accept this.

It is very important that all parties agree on the project scope statement before the project starts, if the Project Manager is to effectively manage stakeholder expectations.

The project scope statement is usually created at the start of a project. It will normally be compiled before the statement of work is produced.

Items in a project scope statement will typically include:

    • details of all deliverables, and the criteria by which they are deemed acceptable

 

  • project objectives

 

  • project sponsor and other stakeholders
  • any forecast problems, risks or challenges likely to affect scope
  • assumptions in respect to any key information that cannot be absolutely verified at that point in time
  • a summary statement (of the business case or project charter), justifying how the project will meet an identified need
  • any project exclusions
  • project milestones.

In the simplest of terms, the project scope statement is a joint agreement that says:

  • we will do this and you will be totally happy if we do so
  • we have identified these constraints and you assure us that there are no known restrictions other than these
  • we have assumed certain things and you agree that the project scope may   change should any of these assumptions prove to be invalid.

This project scope statement can be referred back to at any time during the project as part of the monitoring process. When the project is nearly or almost completed, the project scope statement can be used as a measure against which to evaluate the project.

 

Additional information

For more information about project scope statements, visit:http://www.projects.uts.edu.au/stepbystep/initiation7.html

Readers who viewed this page, also viewed:

Related Posts: