How do you manage scope in waterfall methodology?

1 Define scope clearly

The first step in managing scope in the waterfall methodology is to define the scope clearly and comprehensively. This means identifying and documenting the project objectives, deliverables, features, functions, specifications, assumptions, constraints, and exclusions. You can use tools such as a project charter, a scope statement, a work breakdown structure (WBS), and a requirements traceability matrix (RTM) to capture and organize the scope information. You should also involve the key stakeholders, such as the sponsor, the customer, the users, and the team, in defining and validating the scope, to ensure alignment and agreement.

2 Manage scope changes

The second step in managing scope in the waterfall methodology is to manage any changes that may arise during the project execution. Changes can be caused by various factors, such as new or revised requirements, feedback, errors, risks, or opportunities. To manage scope changes, you need to have a clear and formal process for requesting, evaluating, approving, and documenting them. You can use tools such as a change request form, a change log, and a change control board (CCB) to facilitate and track the scope change process. You should also assess the impact of each change on the project scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risks, and communicate them to the relevant stakeholders.

3 Control scope quality

The third step in managing scope in the waterfall methodology is to control the quality of the project scope. This means ensuring that the project deliverables meet the specifications and expectations of the stakeholders, and that the project scope is completed within the agreed boundaries. To control scope quality, you need to have a clear and consistent process for verifying, validating, testing, and accepting the project deliverables. You can use tools such as a quality plan, a quality checklist, a quality audit, and a quality report to measure and report the scope quality. You should also collect and analyze feedback from the stakeholders, and implement corrective and preventive actions to improve the scope quality.

4 Use scope management tools

The fourth step in managing scope in the waterfall methodology is to use scope management tools that can help you plan, monitor, and control the project scope. These tools include a scope baseline, which serves as a reference point for measuring and controlling scope performance; a variance analysis, which is used to compare the actual scope results with the planned scope baseline; a performance measurement, which calculates and reports the scope performance indicators; and a project management software that assists in creating, updating, and managing the project scope documents. All of these tools are essential for ensuring successful project scope management.

5 Communicate scope effectively

The fifth step in managing scope in the waterfall methodology is to communicate the scope effectively to all the project stakeholders. Communication is essential for ensuring clarity, understanding, and alignment among the stakeholders, and for managing their expectations and satisfaction. To communicate scope effectively, you need to have a clear and comprehensive communication plan that defines the scope communication objectives, methods, frequency, format, and responsibilities. You should also use appropriate communication tools and techniques, such as meetings, reports, presentations, emails, and dashboards, to convey the scope information in a timely, accurate, and relevant manner.

6 Learn from scope experience

The sixth step in managing scope in the waterfall methodology is to learn from the scope experience and use it to improve your scope management skills and practices. Learning from scope experience means capturing and analyzing the scope lessons learned, best practices, challenges, and opportunities, and using them to enhance your scope knowledge, processes, and tools. You can use tools such as a lessons learned register, a lessons learned repository, and a lessons learned workshop to collect and share the scope learning outcomes. You should also apply the scope learning insights to your current and future projects, and contribute to the organizational scope management maturity and capability.