How do you document project scope?

Objectives and Key Results, or OKRs (popularize by John Doerr's "Measure What Matters"), is another great model for understanding your objectives.

if you have a project based on data that is constantly changing, agree to a snapshot in time. Take that data and freeze it. Work off that list to accomplish the goal. Trying to work off data that is constantly changing builds in scope creep without any change controls. It makes it very hard to have a successful project and hurts team morale if the goal keeps changing.

Using the tools we've learned to elicit specific, measurable project requirements from all parties involved is where it begins for me. To get to the next step of defining the project scope, we need our training and expertise to extract documented, clear, complete requirements from all involved. If you have generally have a difficult time gaining the information needed to ensure the requirements are solid when you finally present to stakeholders and clients, use a read-made template when gathering the requirement and pull out the information your team needs. Interviews and workshops may not be for everyone. Send out a form document with "no fluff" questions. And remember what works for some, may not work for others.

Defining the project scope is the most important element. "It's the plan behind the project that keeps everything - and everyone - on track over the course of its execution". This is where you implement your SMART goals. There should be no gray areas that could lead to ambiguity or an excuse that the "objective on this deliverable wasn't quite clear". I take some time at the end to think of how much risk there is, if we are lacking on resources, if we will have the support we need, and then we spend as much time as we need to address each aspect. There should be no assumptions, only clear understanding of the deliverables, how we are going to get there, and define the way we are going to communicate the project scope over its lifetime.

Set a limit on the number of changes that will be allowed on the project before the project must start over or a price/time adjustment must be made. Remember your triple constraint when thinking about this.

Documenting scope when using agile frameworks can look different than traditional methods. Agile scope documentation emphasizes adaptability and collaboration, allowing for real-time adjustments and continuous alignment with evolving project needs. It encourages interactive and living documents that can be updated and reshaped as the project progresses. This dynamic approach to documenting scope ensures that the project remains nimble and responsive, effectively bridging the gap between initial goals and the ever-changing realities of the project landscape.