Reflection on learning 04/04/2022

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Week 3 Discussion: Introduction to Project Management

Leonard Einstein

Chamberlain University

Karen Kidder

03/13/2022

Week 3 Discussion: Introduction to Project Management

Question 1

Scope is the backbone of any project. Whenever a person manages a project, they neither want to aim too small nor too big. Rather, they prefer that the size of their project is the ideal size: small enough to be an attainable goal and large enough to meet all deliverables of a project. These elements are defined by the project scope. Moustafaev (2018) defines project scope as “a way to set boundaries on a project and define the project deliverables deadlines, and goals that one will be working towards.” The scope is the backbone of a project since it allows one to attain objectives and goals without overwork or delay. Defining the scope ideally occurs during the initial phase of project planning. It often entails coming up with a list of all that is required to establish the project’s framework. The list may include things like deliverables, goals, tasks, functions, features, costs, and deadlines.

Scope must be accurately assessed by the project manager. Moustafaev (2018) states that when a project manager accurately assesses the scope of a project, he/she will effectively map out all elements of the project and adequately allocate the necessary resources and labor required to complete the project. The assessment of the scope is covered through three phases. First, there is planning where the project manager defines and captures the work that ought to be carried out. Second, there is controlling where the project manager deals with issues like documenting, scope creep, and the tracking and approving/disapproving of changes. Finally, there is the closing where a project manager audits the deliverables of a project and evaluates the original plan’s outcomes. The accurate assessment of the scope ensures all stakeholders know exactly what is required of them to attain the final deliverables.

Question 2

Issues that occur during a project are frequently related to the scope. In any project, stakeholders often have their individual expectations of what the project ought to achieve. Engaging all these stakeholders will help in collaboratively coming up with specific deliverables while managing their expectations (Ahmad, Rehman, & Ilyas, 2019). A project always has certain risks, which must be identified early in order to minimize their occurrence and come up with mitigating actions in case they are realized. A project will also require extensive budgeting to ensure that the planning of resources is done as required. The hiring of the right personnel to carry out the project is another vital factor that contributes to project success. All these issues are tied to the scope of the project, the proper definition of the project scope will allow the project manager to plan for all these issues effectively.

Consequently, poorly defined scope statements are often linked to project problems or even failed projects. For starters, a poorly defined scope statement will result in the project requirements constantly changing. Due to an unclear scope, the stakeholders may be regularly adding their inputs into the design and deliverables of the project. The requirements of the project will be constantly revaluated mid-project. This will result in the ineffective implementation of the project (Collins, Parrish, & Gibson Jr., 2017). A poorly defined scope statement will also result in the project manager being unable to budget appropriately. Due to the addition of new project deliverables, additional funds may have to be sourced in order to complete the project. Also, there may be a need to hire more personnel to suit the new dynamics of the project. Finally, a poorly defined scope statement may result in outcomes that are contrary to client expectations. A good scope statement will ensure that all stakeholders know the exact goals of a project and the subsequent deliverables that are expected.

References

Ahmad, R., Rehman, C. A., & Ilyas, M. (2019). Linking the project scope with project success: The moderating role of managerial expertise in IT. Research, 20(4), 815-824.

Collins, W., Parrish, K., & Gibson Jr., G. E. (2017). Development of a project scope definition and assessment tool for small industrial construction projects. Journal of Management in Engineering, 33(4), 04017015.

Moustafaev, J. (2018). Project scope management. CRC Press.