If any of the following symptoms are familiar to you then it is likely that your project scope is weak or ill-defined.

• Changes to the scope made without a clear understanding of the impact to the project whether it be cost or time related.

• Tasks or work expanding without corresponding resources being supplied.

• Internal stress with the project team attempting to cope with that lack of information about the scope definition.

Creating two documents can help you avoid these symptoms. The first is the scope statement and the second is the scope management plan. The scope statement captures, in very broad terms, the product or outcome of the project.  The scope management plan defines the processes that required to ensure the project scope is accurately defined and mapped. It also ensures that the scope is controlled throughout the life cycle of the project. To ensure success it is key that the project team are aware of the scope, any impact of a scope change could bring and an understanding of the stakeholder expectations.