Top 5 Questions you need to ask about project scope

Posted by Anna on May 16th, 2019

When you start working on a new project, one of the most important things you need to do is actually understand what is entailed within the actual project itself. This may sound completely obvious, and it may sound incredibly basic. But you would be surprised by how many experienced project managers and teams dive right in without taking a step back to consider what is needed and when. So, with that in mind, read on to discover some of the key questions you need to ask about the project scope before you start planning.

Who will define the project scope?

The first thing you need to do is get in touch with the project sponsor, although this may not be the right individual to define the project details. If not, you need to find out who is. It could be several people. Once you know this, you can start fleshing out the requirements.

Who is going to approve the scope of the project?

Using a mind mapping process to define the scope is a common approach. If you are unaware regarding how to mind map, you should consider taking one of the available APM project management courses such as APM PMQ. However, you are going to need to put someone in a position of power so they can make decisions when there are several options and they can arbitrate when there is a conflict.

What are the project objectives?

Next, you need to get to the big picture. What does the customer want to achieve by embarking on this project? After all, you wouldn’t get in a car and drive without a destination, would you? Once you know where you are going, it will be a lot easier for you to get there.

How are you going to determine once you have reached your goals?

Having objectives is one thing, but how are you going to know when you have arrived there. This is your chance to talk about how the end result is going to look and feel.

Is there any flexibility?

When it comes to any project, no matter the brief, there are always three key factors: project budget or costs, quality and schedule. These three components need to work in harmony together for success to be achieved, and this is why you need to find out if there is any flexibility in this triangle. Basically, you need to know what is most important out of all three parts. If quality is the most important, then there may be some flexibility with time.

If you ask yourself those five key questions regarding your project scope, you should be able to fully understand the project scope and you will have the right foundations for project success, no matter how large or small the project you’re taking on is. Diving right in without giving the project scope the extensive consideration and discussion it needs is a recipe for disaster.