The Power of Out of Scope

The most important section of the scope statement may be what’s out of scope. By discussing what’s out of scope, the project manager and stakeholders can refine their perception of the project’s purpose and how it will improve the business. This allows the project manager to focus the project team, and stakeholders who try to expand project scope. The out of scope section:

Demonstrates priority. Being specific about what is in and out of scope helps you get the best value by concentrating on the most impactful business outcomes.

Reduces scope. A smaller scope allows for more focused effort, a smaller team to manage, and less need for integration. These significantly reduce complexity and increase the probability of successful project completion.

Creates early debate. Proposing what is out of scope inspires senior stakeholders to express their views and discuss needed outcomes. These discussions ensure stakeholder support of the project scope and avoid delays later.

Reduces time and cost. Restricting scope reduces the overall project effort, reducing the cost and time to deliver project outcomes. Productive discussions about out of scope items can also help reduce scope if schedule or cost constraints surface as the project progresses.