4. Objectives and Scope

Objectives and Scope

Clearly articulated project objectives, and well defined project scope are repeatedly quoted by all authorities on Project Management as one of the top factors affecting project success.

This module covers:

1. What constitutes clearly defined and detailed project objectives and scope

2. Progressive scope definition, project planning, and budgeting

3. How to determine if the scope is achievable

4. How to handle scope assumptions and constraints

5. How to manage scope effectively

6. How to obtain stakeholder support for the project’s scope management approach

Critical Success Factors For the Project Objectives and Scope

1.   Project objectives. Objectives that are defined clearly and that are understood and agreed upon by all key stakeholders.

2.   Detailed scope. Project scope that is defined in sufficient detail to allow realistic and accurate planning and budgeting of the project. A progressive scope definition approach that allows for additional details and progressive planning and budgeting of the project.

3.   Proven capabilities. Project objectives, scope, and strategy that rely on the proven capabilities of the company. And a strategy that incorporates pilot stages which allow for proof of concept in cases where the project scope is new to the company.

4.   Assumptions and constraints. Realistically defined assumptions and constraints that are understod and agreed upon by all key stakeholders.

5.   Scope control. An approach to controlling the scope of the project in a manner that is effective and is supported by all key stakeholders. 

6.   Stakeholder support. Alignment and support from all key stakeholders regarding the objectives, scope, and strategy of the project. An effective approach to resolving stakeholder disagreements that may emerge during the course of the project. 

In this module you will learn how to:

a.  Develop a clear statement of the project’s objectives and how to obtain the agreement of all key stakeholders

b.   Define the project scope in a progressive manner that will allow accurate estimates of the project duration and budget

c.   Assess the company’s capabilities to achieve the stated scope, and what to do if the company’s capabilities are in question

d.   Define the project’s assumptions and constraints and achieve stakeholder consensus regarding them

e.   Manage the scope throughout the life of the project

f.   Achieve stakeholder support of the scope management strategy for the project