Project Scope Statement
In simple terms, Project Scope Statement is a document that describes, in detail, the project’s deliverables and the work required to create those deliverables. It is a detailed description of the entire scope of the project i.e.. both Project scope and product Scope.
PMBOK defines Project Scope Statement as the description of the project scope, major deliverables, assumptions, and constraints.
Project Scope Statement is part of the Scope Baseline .
It is the Key output of “Define Scope” Process.
In Project Charter, we have the high level description of the scope, in Project Scope Statement we have a detailed description of the scope of the project and some other items as well.
Project Scope Statement components
- Product Scope Description – It is a detailed description of the characteristics of the product, service, or result described in the project charter and requirements documentation.
- Deliverable – Any unique and verifiable product, result, or capability to perform a service that is required to be produced to complete a process, phase, or project.
- Acceptance Criteria – A set of conditions that is required to be met before deliverables are accepted.
- Constraints – limiting factors that affect the execution of a project or process.
- Assumptions – A factor in the planning process that is considered to be true, real, or certain, without proof or demonstration.
- Project Exclusions – These are what is excluded from the project. Explicitly stating what is out of the scope of the project helps to manage stakeholder expectations.
Benefits of Project Scope Statement
- A common understanding of the entire scope of the project among all the stakeholders.
- Explicit declaration of Project Exclusions helps in managing stakeholder’s expectations.
- It provides a baseline to check any changes or additional work are within or outside the project’s boundaries.
- Having the scope in detail helps in planning and executing the project more effectively.