Plan Scope Management

 

Summary of the "Plan Scope Management" Process

1. Definition:

   • The Plan Scope Management process creates a Scope Management Plan, outlining how the project scope will be defined, validated, controlled, and managed.
   • It ensures clarity and consistency in handling project scope throughout the project lifecycle.

2. Purpose:

   • To provide guidance and direction on how to manage the scope of the project and ensure alignment with project objectives.
   • To define methods for handling scope changes and preventing scope creep.

3. Key Terms:

   • Product Scope: Features and functionalities of the product, service, or result.
     • Example: A Lamborghini can drive 300 mph.
   • Project Scope: The work required to deliver the product scope.
     • Example: Building a Lamborghini assembly line to produce the car.

4. Common Scope Issues:

   • Gold Plating: Performing extra work not included in the scope (e.g., painting a hallway not listed in the scope).
   • Scope Creep: Adding unauthorized work to the project without formally updating the scope baseline (e.g., painting a hallway without updating the scope).

5. Key Inputs:

   • Project Charter:
     • Provides initial high-level scope details.
   • Project Management Plan:
     • Integrates with other subsidiary plans.
   • Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEF) and Organizational Process Assets (OPA):
     • Provide guidelines, templates, and organizational standards.

6. Key Outputs:

   • Scope Management Plan:
     • Details how scope will be defined, developed, monitored, controlled, and validated.
     • Provides a framework for managing scope changes.
   • Requirements Management Plan:
     • Explains how requirements will be gathered, documented, analyzed, and managed.
     • Includes a traceability structure to link requirements to their sources and ensure accountability.

7. Key Tools and Techniques:

   • Expert Judgment:
     • Involves experienced professionals to create effective plans.
   • Data Gathering:
     • Brainstorming, interviews, and focus groups to understand scope requirements.
   • Interpersonal and Team Skills:
     • Facilitation to ensure stakeholder alignment.

8. Practical Examples:

   • Construction:
     • The Scope Management Plan defines steps to build a 20-story building and ensure no unauthorized additions (e.g., adding floors).
   • Software Development:
     • The Requirements Management Plan outlines how features will be documented and linked to user stories or stakeholders.
   • Event Planning:
     • Specifies how event deliverables (e.g., venue setup, catering) will be tracked and verified.

9. Key Tips:

   • "Plan" Rule:
     • The process name starts with "Plan," and the output ends with "Plan."
     • Example: Plan Scope Management outputs the Scope Management Plan.
   • Management Plans are "How-To" Documents:
     • Scope Management Plan: Defines how to create, verify, and manage scope.
     • Requirements Management Plan: Defines how to gather, analyze, and manage requirements.

10. Importance:

    • Provides a structured approach to scope management, reducing misunderstandings and scope-related risks.
    • Helps prevent gold plating and scope creep, ensuring that only approved work is performed.

Key Takeaway:

The Plan Scope Management process is essential for defining and managing the scope of a project. By creating a detailed Scope Management Plan and Requirements Management Plan, project managers ensure scope clarity, control, and alignment with project objectives. "Plan scope clearly, control changes effectively, and deliver confidently."