3 Steps to Preventing Scope Creep
What is “scope creep”?
This is when, the project requirements – could be added
features, functionalities or operational tasks that start getting added to the
wish list and the project team tries to accommodate it. The project continuously starts requiring
additional time and work, and before you know it the entire team is entangled
in a quagmire of development quite far away from the original goals and
objectives.
This is more likely to happen when the project objectives are not
clearly defined or documented and/or there is a lack of communication between the
parties. So what can be done from preventing “scope creep” to engulf the
project?
1. Having clear project objectives -
It is important to have
very clear objectives at the beginning of the project. It is also important to
educate all the stakeholders on exactly what is required to accomplish the
goals. This way they understand the time, money, effort and possible risks and
issues down the road.
2. Defining the scope of the project -
The scope statement
should clearly specify what the project will deliver and what it will not. This
will serve as the foundation of the project and will ensure that the
expectations are set correctly with the stakeholders. Also a method or
procedure to handle any new request that is out of scope, that is a change
request and stating that any change will have an impact on the timelines,
budgets etc. as well as getting that common understanding is very key.
3. Documentation -
After the collaboration within the entire team and stakeholders, establishing a clear plan of action, it is time to make sure that the
scope is documented. Too many projects are undermined by good meaning
individuals who thought that certain aspects of a project were implied instead
of specified in the project plan. The cost and payment schedule should be clearly defined in writing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, taking
these steps can help you avoid the monster that is “scope creep”. In addition,
an active project manager must monitor the project on a continuous basis and
address any issues right away. A clear understanding and documented outline of
the project scope can help a project manager foresee possible issues and
address them before they arise.
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