Validate Scope Process in Project Management

1. Introduction

Validate Scope is a critical process in project management where stakeholders, including sponsors and customers, formally accept the project deliverables.

This process occurs at the end of the execution phase after the deliverables have been reviewed for quality.

2. Understanding the Validate Scope Process

A. When Does Validate Scope Happen?

• Validate Scope is performed after quality control.
• It ensures that the deliverables meet customer expectations.
• It occurs before closing the project or phase.

B. How Does Validate Scope Work?

• Stakeholders review the verified deliverable.
• The deliverable must pass customer inspections.
• Formal acceptance is documented.
• If issues exist, a change request is raised to correct them.

3. Key Components of Validate Scope

Component	Description	Example
Verified Deliverable	Deliverable that has passed quality control.	A tested software module ready for user approval.
Inspection	Stakeholders test and examine the deliverable.	Customer reviews a newly painted office space.
Accepted Deliverable	Deliverable formally approved by stakeholders.	A signed-off document stating the website is complete.
Change Request	Generated if the deliverable does not meet expectations.	Request to repaint a room from white to off-white.
Work Performance Information	Updates project status on deliverable completion.	Report stating that 80% of deliverables are accepted.

4. Steps in the Validate Scope Process

• Step 1: Receive the verified deliverable from the quality control process.
• Step 2: Conduct an inspection with stakeholders.
• Step 3: Gather formal acceptance from customers or sponsors.
• Step 4: If approved, update project documents and move forward.
• Step 5: If rejected, generate a change request and correct the issue.

5. Example Scenario

Consider a construction project where the original plan included:

• Painting office walls white.
• Installing wooden flooring.

At the end of execution:

• The customer inspects the work.
• They request a change from white to light blue paint.
• A change request is submitted and the modification is made.
• After repainting, the customer formally signs off on the deliverable.

6. Summary

• Validate Scope ensures that project deliverables meet customer expectations.
• The process takes place after quality control.
• Stakeholders review and provide formal acceptance.
• If the deliverable does not meet expectations, a change request is generated.
• Only accepted deliverables proceed to project closure.

By following the Validate Scope process, project teams can ensure successful handover and customer satisfaction.