The project scope is probably the most overlooked deliverable in modern project
ID: 442738 • Letter: T
Question
The project scope is probably the most overlooked deliverable in modern project management practice. The project scope is the roadmap to project completion, yet many projects, especially in large companies (e.g., Fortune 500), do not have a project scope. There is a direct link between the success/failure of the project and the existence of a project scope.
Explain why it is important to deliver a comprehensive scope statement at the beginning of the project. Are there any instances where the scope statement can or should be omitted?
Explanation / Answer
A comprehensive project scope analysis serves several benefits that permit a company to guide the dream of a project to a successful completion. One benefit is transforming the idea of the project into a working concept. Once the concept is developed, project details can be mapped out. Scope analysis outlines each step of the project in a detailed manner. The primary benefit to this is it aligns the project so that the final product will be consisted with the original goals/objectives. By outlining each step, scope analysis increases the likelihood that the project will stay within budget and time constraints as well as meet predetermined specifications and quality parameters.
There are really two types of scope statements, each serving a different purpose in clarifying scope and expectations of a project and its deliverables. The first is a product or deliverable scope statement; the second is a project scope statement. The deliverable and project scope statements should be developed in conjunction with the site-survey process (which is a must) and verified during the subsequent field-verification audit process. Both of these are opportune times to visually communicate to clients what will and what not will be delivered by the AV integrator, as well as and who will and who will not be responsible for the implementation effort.
Deliverable scope statements often look like a bill of materials, or a listing of numerous pieces of equipment (projectors, speakers, microphones, lectern, control panels, etc.) and supporting infrastructure (cabling, switchers, connectors, etc.). This list — although often inclusive of all of the parts to be delivered (minus some incidentals) — is usually the only section that the client reviews. As such, it leaves the impression and creates the expectation that all the equipment and ancillary materials will be included in order to make the project’s system implementation successful. Unfortunately, this initial impression often causes conflict later in the project, for instance, when the AV integrator is waiting on owner-furnished equipment (OFE) to arrive, or when another contractor must provide other pieces of equipment (security, lecturns, etc.). A clear scope statement helps alleviate these misunderstandings and establishes boundaries for each party’s responsibilities.
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