Proj. Mgnt - SCOPE (Topic 4)

What is the 2nd stage of the project management process?

Planning

Name five key processes in planning.

• Scope

• Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

• Schedule

• Cost

• Risk.

Define project scope.

The work required to deliver the project.

What is scope creep?

Uncontrolled changes to project scope, adding unauthorized features or work.

What is a scope statement?

A written description of project scope, deliverables, assumptions, and constraints.

Why is a scope statement important? (4)

• Guides team’s work during execution

• Builds on charter by describing project deliverables in greater details and work needed to produce them

• Develops common understanding among stakeholders

• Aids detailed planning.

What are the key elements of a scope statement?

• Scope description

• Deliverables

• Acceptance criteria

• Exclusions

• Constraints

• Assumptions.

Why is “to design a bridge” a poor scope statement?

Too vague, lacks detail and measurable criteria.

Give an example of a good scope statement.

“To design a bridge that meets state road design standards, accommodates a 1-in-100 year flood, and complies with environmental regulations.”

Impacts of Scope creep (3)

• Increased costs

• Time delays

• Project failure

Name sources of scope change. (5)

• Errors / Omissions

• Value-adding opportunities

• Competitive pressures

• Budget changes

• Personnel changes

Why is a change control system needed

To manage inevitable changes and prevent scope creep.

What are steps in a change control system? (7)

• Review requested changes

• Identify impacts of change

• Evaluate pros / cons of requested changes

• Install a process so authorised individuals may accept or reject changes

• Communicate change to concerned parties

• Updates all documents (WBS, Cost, Schedule baseline)

• Prepare reports that summarise changes to date their impacts

What is a WBS?

A visual, hierarchical outline of project deliverables and tasks.

What are two forms of WBS?

• Graphical (tree) form

• List (tabular) form

What are two approaches to creating WBS?

Top-down (start with overall deliverable) and bottom-up (start with tasks).

What are the steps to create a WBS? (5)

1. Identify deliverables/sub-deliverables with team.

2. Identify key deliverables from scope statement.

3. Break deliverables into work packages.

4. Create WBS dictionary (details of work packages).

5. Share WBS with team.

What is a WBS dictionary?

Document describing deliverables in detail (owner, cost, schedule, quality requirements).

How is a WBS structured?

Top-down, more detail at each level.

What are characteristics of a WBS? (5)

• Graphical hierarchy

• Visualizes project

• Created with team input

• Prevents omissions

• Aids communication.

What makes an effective WBS?

• Covers all deliverables/milestones

• Created by Project manager and team

• Visual → info is easily grasped and organised

• Adaptable & accessible → so team can access and act quick.

• Be a living document → dependencies and risks can affect timeline / scope

Why is scope control critical? (2)

• Prevent scope creep

• Ensure project success.

Why is WBS critical?

Breaks project into manageable parts, aids planning, communication, and control.