How do you measure and report the impact of scope creep on your system implementation project?

2 Track and monitor scope changes

The second step is to track and monitor any scope changes that occur during the system implementation project, whether they are requested by the client, suggested by the team, or imposed by external factors. You should have a formal process for evaluating, approving, and documenting any scope changes, and use tools such as a change log, a change control board, or a change request form. You should also update the project schedule, budget, and quality plan accordingly, and communicate the impact of the scope changes to all relevant stakeholders.

3 Measure the scope creep impact

The third step is to measure the impact of scope creep on your system implementation project, using metrics such as schedule variance, cost variance, quality variance, and customer satisfaction. Schedule variance measures the difference between the planned and actual duration of the project. Cost variance measures the difference between the planned and actual budget of the project. Quality variance measures the difference between the planned and actual quality standards of the project. Customer satisfaction measures the degree to which the client is happy with the final product and the project performance.

4 Report the scope creep impact

The fourth step is to report the impact of scope creep on your system implementation project, using formats such as dashboards, charts, graphs, or tables. You should report the scope creep impact regularly, such as weekly or monthly, and highlight the key findings, trends, and recommendations. You should also report the scope creep impact at the end of the project, in a final report or a lessons learned document. You should use clear, concise, and accurate language, and tailor your report to your audience and their needs and expectations.

5 Manage and prevent scope creep

The fifth step is to manage and prevent scope creep on your system implementation project, using strategies such as setting clear expectations, involving stakeholders, following change management procedures, prioritizing requirements, and controlling scope creep risks. You should set clear expectations with your client and your team about the project scope, objectives, deliverables, and boundaries. You should involve stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle, and solicit their feedback and input. You should follow change management procedures, and ensure that any scope changes are justified, approved, and documented. You should prioritize requirements, and focus on the most important and valuable ones. You should control scope creep risks, and identify, analyze, and mitigate any potential sources of scope creep.