How do you define project scope and objectives using stakeholder analysis?

1 Identify stakeholders

The first step is to identify who your stakeholders are and what their roles and responsibilities are in relation to the project. You can use various techniques to do this, such as brainstorming, interviewing, reviewing documents, or using stakeholder maps or matrices. The goal is to create a list of stakeholders and their attributes, such as their power, interest, expectations, needs, preferences, and potential impact on the project.

2 Analyze stakeholders

The next step is to analyze your stakeholders and understand their perspectives, motivations, and concerns. You can use various techniques to do this, such as surveys, focus groups, workshops, or SWOT analysis. The goal is to assess how each stakeholder affects or is affected by the project, what their level of support or resistance is, and what their main issues or risks are.

3 Engage stakeholders

The third step is to engage your stakeholders and involve them in defining the project scope and objectives. You can use various techniques to do this, such as communication plans, stakeholder meetings, feedback sessions, or prototyping. The goal is to establish a dialogue and collaboration with your stakeholders, elicit their requirements and expectations, validate their assumptions and constraints, and negotiate and prioritize their needs and wants.

4 Document scope and objectives

The final step is to document the project scope and objectives based on the stakeholder analysis and engagement. You can use various techniques to do this, such as scope statements, scope models, SMART objectives, or project charter. The goal is to create a clear and concise description of what the project will deliver, how it will measure success, and what the scope boundaries and exclusions are.

5 Review and update scope and objectives

The last step is not a one-time activity, but a continuous process throughout the project lifecycle. You need to review and update your project scope and objectives regularly, as the project progresses and the stakeholder situation changes. You can use various techniques to do this, such as change management, scope control, performance measurement, or stakeholder feedback. The goal is to ensure that your project scope and objectives remain aligned with the stakeholder needs and expectations, and that any changes are properly managed and communicated.

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?