Any project carries risk. To prevent misunderstandings with the deliverables, reduce the risk of scope creep, and manage everyone’s expectations, be sure to create a scope statement.
If you’re new to this project management document, we walk you through what a scope statement is, why you need one, what it includes, and how to create one. With the help of Plus AI, you can compose a scope statement in no time.
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What is a scope statement?
A scope statement is a document that outlines the objective, boundaries, deliverables, stakeholders, and other items for a project. It’s created by the project manager during the initiation phase, and it can be refined further as the project progresses and more details become available.
It’s shared with key stakeholders and the project team and is referenced throughout the project lifecycle to ensure that…
- Everyone is aligned on what is “in scope” and “out of scope” for the project
- Activities stay on track to a successful completion.
Why do you need a scope statement?
Defining the scope of a project can alleviate conflicts, reduce risks, and ensure that the goals are attainable.
Improves planning: It provides a basis for developing a project plan with tasks, deliverables, and milestones.
Manages expectations: When all interested parties have a clear grasp of the scope, it can reduce misunderstandings and miscommunications with what is included and excluded as well as the expected deliverables.
Reduces scope creep: By laying out the boundaries, exceptions, and change management procedure, you can decrease the risk of the project going beyond the agreed upon scope.
Increases performance: Understood as a set of guidelines, it can assist managers in assigning tasks and scheduling work as well as help team members focus on project activities.
What to include in a scope statement
While you may see variations, it’s important to review all recommended items when creating a scope statement as each one serves a particular purpose. It doesn’t have to be a lengthy document or follow the order below, but should make sure everything is covered.
Purpose: The purpose or justification for the project.
Objectives: The goals or targets for the project.
Deliverables: The product or service to be delivered, including at the project’s completion.
Key stakeholders: The people who have a vested interest in the project or will be affected by the outcome.
Scope (Boundaries): What is and is not within the scope or extent of the project.
Constraints: Restrictions or limitations that may impact the project’s completion.
Assumptions: Assumptions that may affect the scope or project result.
Exclusions: Specific items, tasks, or activities not included in the project scope.
Dependencies: Links or relationships between tasks that may influence the project or deliverables.
Change management: Procedures for evaluating change requests and obtaining approvals.
Criteria for acceptance: The criteria that must be satisfied for the deliverables to be accepted.
How to create a scope statement with Plus AI
Using Plus with Google Docs, you can create your scope statement with the power of AI.
- Open a new Google Doc, go to Extensions > Plus AI > Write with Plus AI.
- In the sidebar, select the Generate tab if necessary.
- Enter the scope statement description in the What do you want to write box. You can include as many details as you like up to 100,000 characters.
- Click Generate and you’ll see your scope statement which you can edit, format, or share as you please.
How to create a scope statement with a template
You can also use a template to create a scope statement. While you may find many when searching the web, you can use this scope statement template provided by Plus AI.
Access the document, click Make a Copy, and then edit the name and sample text to accommodate your own project.
Do more with Plus AI in Docs
You can use Plus AI to create many other types of documents in Google Docs as well. From a statement of work (SOW) or project status report to a SWOT analysis or outline, Plus can help you get over the “blank page” problem.
And, you can use Plus AI to edit your documents too. Do things like change the tone, summarize the content, restructure the document, or add a paragraph.
Visit Plus AI on the web for additional details, features, and to start your free trial.
FAQs
Who approves a project scope statement?
The project sponsor which is the person responsible for the project’s overall success and the key stakeholders which are those with an interest in the project or impacted by the outcome are the ones to approve the scope statement.
What are deliverables in a project?
A deliverable is a project or service that results from a project. This can be tangible like computer hardware or intangible like a training program.
What are milestones in a project?
Milestones are points in time that represent the completion of a phase or major task in a project. Examples include the start and end of a project, delivery of a key component, and completion of testing.
