How do you coordinate scope management with other project management processes and functions?

1 Understand the project objectives and requirements

The first step in coordinating scope management is to understand the project objectives and requirements, as they provide the basis for defining the scope. You need to consult with the project sponsor, the client, the end-users, and other key stakeholders to clarify their expectations, needs, and preferences. You also need to review the project charter, the contract, and any other relevant documents that outline the project scope, deliverables, and acceptance criteria. By doing this, you will ensure that your scope management aligns with the project purpose and value.

2 Define and document the scope

The next step is to define and document the scope in a clear and detailed way, using tools such as scope statements, work breakdown structures, scope baseline, and scope management plan. These tools help you to break down the project into manageable components, assign roles and responsibilities, establish scope boundaries and exclusions, and define how the scope will be controlled and verified. By doing this, you will ensure that your scope management aligns with the project plan and schedule.

3 Communicate and validate the scope

The third step is to communicate and validate the scope with all the project stakeholders, especially those who are involved in or affected by the project scope. You need to share the scope documents, solicit feedback, resolve issues, and obtain formal approval from the authorized parties. You also need to ensure that the scope is consistent with the project quality standards, risk management plan, and communication plan. By doing this, you will ensure that your scope management aligns with the project quality and stakeholder expectations.

4 Monitor and control the scope

The fourth step is to monitor and control the scope throughout the project lifecycle, using tools such as change requests, change logs, change control boards, and performance reports. These tools help you to track the progress and performance of the project scope, identify and evaluate any changes or deviations, approve or reject changes, and update the scope documents and baseline accordingly. You also need to ensure that the scope changes are aligned with the project cost and time estimates, and that they are communicated to all the relevant stakeholders. By doing this, you will ensure that your scope management aligns with the project budget and timeline.

5 Verify and close the scope

The final step is to verify and close the scope at the end of the project or each phase, using tools such as deliverable acceptance forms, scope verification checklists, and lessons learned reports. These tools help you to confirm that the project scope has been completed according to the agreed specifications and criteria, obtain formal sign-off from the client and other stakeholders, and document any best practices, lessons learned, or recommendations for future projects. You also need to ensure that the scope closure is aligned with the project closure procedures and that all the project documents and records are archived and transferred. By doing this, you will ensure that your scope management aligns with the project completion and closure.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?