How can you ensure realistic and achievable scope for Enterprise Software projects?

Ensure that you major in the majors and not major in the minors. Know what things can truly be added at a later date. Planning a go-live in the early to mid portion of your fiscal year, perhaps leave planning and budgeting to phase 2. Ask the solution integrator what decisions cannot be unwound later (e.g. chart of accounts structure) and focus efforts on ensuring those items are rock solid.

I've taken over territories before with this problem. If there isn't a practice to clearly define timelines, deliverables & meet on them, don't be shocked when wires get crossed. Be vigorous with your change orders if scope changes are required. This looks like a massive document with deliverables clearly outlined, timelines for data requests, project milestones, & timing impacts when answers are not provided to the team doing the work. However, thats not enough. The teams doing the work need to actively communicate how missing information impacts timeline. Keeping both sides on track is a task in itself. Once there is written plan that is clearly defined, review this with your client prior to signature.

Different methodologies offer unique strategies for ensuring a realistic and achievable scope in Enterprise Software projects. While Waterfall and PRINCE2 emphasise upfront planning and documentation, Agile, Scrum, and Lean focus on flexibility, stakeholder engagement, and value delivery. The choice of methodology should be guided by the project's specific requirements, organisational culture, and the need for flexibility in scope management. Ultimately, the success of Enterprise Software projects hinges a balancing act requiring not only a strategic choice of program methodology but also a commitment to effective communication, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement throughout the project lifecycle.

Stakeholders are not just executives. Involve influencers within the organization early and ensure they have the same weight in project decision making as everyone else.

Change management is the point in the process where the enterprise software project will be achievable and executable--or not. In my experience, most scopes are subject to change and collaboration. However, change management can get the team to the point where it can be signed off--regardless of whether stakeholders are internal or customers. Reacting quickly, though, is of paramont importance. You are showing the stakeholders that you are ready to adjust and be accomodating.

Sometimes scope from a business perspective and scope from an IT perspective differ. For example, business units may focus more on usability, knowing that those items help with adoption. Include usability expectations in the requirements and ensure that is included in the defined scope. Don't cut corners in the end because the usability will help achieve adoption.

To ensure realistic and achievable scope for Enterprise Software projects: 1. Define the scope clearly by understanding business goals and documenting requirements. 2. Involve stakeholders to prevent misunderstandings and align expectations. 3. Manage changes through a structured process, evaluating impacts and communicating effectively. 4. Monitor the scope, tracking progress and addressing deviations promptly. 5. Validate the scope at project completion, ensuring deliverables meet requirements. 6. Learn from project experiences, reflecting on successes and failures to improve future endeavors. These steps foster effective project management and successful outcomes.

Enterprise software projects often fall prey to the illusion of infinite scope, leading to budget overruns & missed deadlines. 1. Embracing Constraints: Acknowledge limitations in resources & technology to foster creativity and focus. 2. Beware of Feature Creep: Resist the temptation to add endless features; prioritize based on value and user needs. 3. Agile Mindset: Adopt agile methodologies for adaptability & continuous value delivery. 4. User-Centric Design: Involve users early & often to ensure relevance and simplicity. 5. Leadership's Role: Set clear goals, foster transparency, & encourage a culture of learning and accountability.