How to Write a Project Scope Statement

A project scope statement outlines the work that must be executed within the project. It enables project managers to define the project boundaries of what must and must not be done. But project scope statements are not only about managing work. To develop a scope statement, you must first understand your project goals, requirements, and work breakdown structure. After you have defined the project scope of work, you can develop a project scope document.

What is a Project Scope Statement

A project scope statement is a project document that defines the project scope elements, including project requirements, assumptions, and acceptance criteria. It acts as a basic tool for teammates and stakeholders to use a a guideline and refer to when measuring project success. A scope statement is an essential part of a scope management plan, a document that contains all the rules, strategies, and procedures to manage project scope. Similarly, the scope management plan is an integral part of the project plan.

Components of a Project Scope Statement

The project scope statement defines project boundaries, outlines exclusions, and includes inclusions. It starts with a description of the project objectives and purpose. It also contains a list of intangible and tangible deliverables as well as project objectives. Acceptance criteria are also included to determine if the deliverables are acceptable, while exclusions describe what is not included in the project. The scope statement outlines constraints that may affect execution and assumptions made during project planning. The project scope statement also includes a description of scope, initial risks, acceptance criteria, and project boundaries.

How to Write a Project Scope Statement

You must consider the following seven factors to outline a project scope statement:

Project Objectives

Project objectives define the project’s purpose. They are the small steps that lead to broader project goals. Start the project scope by defining the objectives. These objectives are documented in the project charter as well.

Project Requirements

Project stakeholders and project managers must agree about project requirements and scope, such as expected risk, quality, and cost.

Project Scope Description

It is the most important step. Here, you will define the work that must be completed to complete the project. Here are some steps that will help you define the scope:

• Utilize the project work breakdown structure to visualize your project deliverables, tasks, and milestones.
• List what’s out of the project scope and what’s within the project scope.
• Identify constraints, which are the limitations, such as cost or time.
• Develop a scope baseline to compare the planned scope to the actual progress.

Project constraints and exclusions are essential because they help create boundaries for the project. They also enable managing stakeholder expectations and give the team limitations to work within.

Project Exclusions

While it’s important that you define what the project includes, it’s also imperative that you create a list of what the project does not include. For instance:

• Updates planned for a later project are not included in the current project
• Rescheduled or restricted customer access to certain product features

Project Constraints

Project constraints make project management a puzzle to solve. The three main constraints are money, time, and scope, also termed the triple constraints in project management. They are connected to each other which means if you change scope it will affect time.

Project Assumptions

Project assumptions revolve around things that end up as constraints, including money, time, and scope. For instance, it’s in the project assumptions section that the support team will get new training within a year. It’s worth listing these as this would tell the stakeholders what the basic resource needs are to keep the project running, but it also provides you with insight as to what the risk factors are.

Project Deliverables

List the deliverables your team needs to deliver to meet business needs. This can include manuals, the product, press releases, marketing materials, and more.

How to Write a Project Scope Statement- FAQs

What is a project scope statement also called?

A project scope statement is also called a statement of work and explains measurable terms about what the project will achieve. The main purpose is for the scope statement is to be used to plan the project.

Who approves the project scope?

The project sponsor approves the project scope and provides high-level business needs and requirements that drive the scope. They also approve the scope statement and major changes.

Where is the project scope statement found?

The project scope statement is found in the scope management plan, a document that contains the rules, strategies, and procedures to manage scope.

What happens without a clear scope?

Projects face setbacks and difficulties due to loosely defined and unclear scopes at project initiation, leading to unmet expectations, miscommunication, and project failure.

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