Managing the Scope

The scope of a project defines the work that has to be performed. When the idea for a project is born, typically defining the project scope is one of the initial activities. Planning and defining the scope of an IT project is usually performed by the company that recognizes the business need for initiating a project. When a project is not conducted in-house, a different company ― usually called the contractor ― for performing the work is sourced, selected, and contracted. Often a request for proposal (RfP) is issued to potential contractors in order to obtain offers for performing the project work. In a traditional IT project the contribution of a potential contractor is limited to evaluate whether the defined project work can be performed and to quote a price for it. From a contractor's point of view managing the project scope is ensuring that the contracted project work is delivered. Normally a work breakdown structure (WBS) is developed to structure and organize the contracted work. A scope change control process ensures that changes of the project scope required during the course of the project are handled properly.