What is project scope and how can we use scope to improve our projects?

Project scope establishes a project's purpose and helps create a shared vision of success among stakeholders and project team members.

Scope is often determined very early in a project, coming from the business case or justification for the project or from a project proposal. The scope may also be set by leadership, as part of strategic or other planning, or as a simple directive.

Because scope is often determined at a basic level before the project manager or project team is even involved, scope is often ignored or given minimal consideration during the project. But a clearly defined scope should be a common thread throughout the project, connecting project initiation to the outcomes or deliverables and taking us through project closing.

A more collaborative and strategic approach to scope sets up a project for success.

Learn more about project scope, including how to write a clear scope, in our Project Scope Microtraining.

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