Instructor: Guillermo Haaz *(*), e-mail: ghaaz@itesm.

mx

Writing a Scope
Statement This can be a cumbersome task, but
it is a necessary one. As the project
Article by Eric Stallsworth progresses, everyone involved
Edited & published by Natasha M. Baker on knows where they can look should a
Nov 11, 2009
question arise.
This article illuminates the necessity A scope statement is just one of
of an effective scope statement and many project management forms.
how to write one that will help guide
a project to successful completion. Clear and Concise is the Rule
The various sections of a scope A scope statement needs to be very
statement are discussed, as well as clear and concise, and the project
hints on how to minimize scope name is a good place to start.
creep.
An effective project name reads
Introduction - Where to Begin something like 'Create a Marketing
A scope statement is one of the Plan For Increasing Sales of Widget
most critical pieces of a project, and X in Chicago'. This is much better
writing one can be a difficult task for than 'Marketing Plan Project', which
a project manager. But, an is definitely concise but by no
effectively written scope statement means clear.
can help the rest of the project flow
along with minimal problems. Let’s The aim of the project name is to
take a look at how to write a good document the project so that
scope statement, its necessary everyone involved is aware of what
components, and the pitfalls to avoid is expected during the life of the
during its creation. project.
The first step on writing a scope A good project name also helps
statement is filling in the project provide a vision of where the project
name, project charter, and a listing is headed.
of the project owner, sponsors, and
stakeholders. A project charter needs to be drafted
next. A charter is usually used for
Next, A project justification will need three different reasons:
to be identified, as well as project Authorizing the project
requirements, milestones, and
Providing a high level
deliverables. Any non-goals - items
overview
that fall outside of the scope of the
Identifying the main
project - need to be identified here.
stakeholders
And finally, cost estimates need to
The charter often includes the name
be provided within the scope
of the project owner as well as
statement. This information may be
project sponsors. It also identifies
readily available or it may need to
objectives or goals, and constraints
be compiled from various sources,
on resources or time.
but the scope statement is where it
needs to be documented all
together.
1
Instructor: Guillermo Haaz *(*), e-mail: [email protected]

Finally, the charter is used as a focal success for the end of the project.
point throughout the life of the An effective justification might read
project, which can be especially like the following:
useful during change control
meetings for minimizing scope This project is to create a successful
creep. marketing plan for the month of
August 2008, in order to increase
Scope creep is a phenomenon sales of Widget X by 15% in the
where the scope of a project Chicago metropolitan area.
gradually increases over time.
This is a good example of an
The scope statement needs to effective justification because it is
identify the reason for the project. quantifiable and qualitative. Distinct
boundaries are set as to what is the
This is often called the project expected result of the project so
justification. It is usually a statement there is no ambiguity.
or two identifying why the project is
being created. It’s important to have --- *(*) ---
the project justification identified
because this helps to give overall Source:
direction to the project as well as http://www.brighthub.com/office/project-
management/articles/2491.aspx
emphasizing the final goal.
[1-mar-2010]
The project justification should be
clear and precise manner so that it
identifies a quantifiable measure of