What are the best practices for scoping large-scale information systems projects?

1 Understand the business problem

Before you start scoping your information systems project, you need to have a clear understanding of the business problem that you are trying to solve, and the value that your solution will provide to the organization and the users. You can use various techniques, such as interviews, surveys, workshops, documents analysis, and observation, to gather information from the key stakeholders, such as the sponsors, customers, users, managers, and experts. You should also review the existing information systems and processes, and identify the gaps, issues, and opportunities for improvement.

2 Define the project scope

Once you have a clear understanding of the business problem, you need to define the project scope, which is the boundary of what your information systems project will and will not cover. You can use a scope statement, a scope diagram, or a work breakdown structure (WBS) to document the scope of your project, and specify the main features, functions, and deliverables of your information systems solution. You should also define the project objectives, which are the measurable outcomes that your project will achieve, and align them with the business goals and strategies.

3 Manage the scope creep

Scope creep is the tendency of the project scope to change or expand over time, due to various factors, such as changing requirements, unclear expectations, unrealistic demands, or unforeseen circumstances. Scope creep can have negative impacts on your information systems project, such as increasing the cost, time, and complexity, reducing the quality and usability, and compromising the stakeholder satisfaction. To manage the scope creep, you need to establish a clear and formal scope management process, which involves defining the roles and authority of the scope manager, setting the scope baseline and change control procedures, communicating the scope clearly and regularly to the stakeholders, and monitoring and controlling the scope performance and deviations.

4 Validate and verify the scope

Another important practice for scoping large-scale information systems projects is to validate and verify the scope, which means to ensure that the scope is accurate, complete, consistent, and acceptable. Validation is the process of confirming that the scope meets the stakeholder expectations and requirements, and verification is the process of confirming that the scope meets the specifications and standards. You can use various methods, such as reviews, inspections, audits, tests, and demonstrations, to validate and verify the scope of your information systems project, and obtain the formal acceptance and approval from the stakeholders.

5 Use agile and iterative approaches

Large-scale information systems projects often involve high levels of uncertainty, complexity, and change, which make it difficult to scope them accurately and comprehensively at the beginning. Therefore, it is advisable to use agile and iterative approaches, which allow you to scope your information systems project incrementally and adaptively, based on the feedback and learning from the previous iterations. Agile and iterative approaches, such as Scrum, Kanban, or Spiral, enable you to deliver your information systems solution in smaller and faster cycles, and respond to the changing needs and preferences of the stakeholders, while maintaining the quality and value of your project.

6 Involve the stakeholders

The last but not the least practice for scoping large-scale information systems projects is to involve the stakeholders, who are the people or groups that have an interest or influence on your information systems project. Stakeholders can provide valuable inputs, insights, and perspectives to your scoping process, and help you identify and prioritize the requirements, features, and functions of your information systems solution. Stakeholders can also help you validate and verify the scope, and ensure that your information systems project meets their expectations and needs. Therefore, you should engage the stakeholders throughout the scoping process, and use effective communication and collaboration tools and techniques to build trust and rapport with them.

7 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?