Reflection on Learning

Q1: The scope is the backbone of any project. The scope defines the work that should be accomplished to successfully deliver a result, service, or product with specified functions and features (Corvello, Javernick-Will, & Ratta, 2017). The scope of a project is defined during the planning phase and entails a variety of aspects such as project deliverables, goals, tasks, costs, and deadlines, among others. The project manager must accurately assess a project’s scope to adequately meet the expectations of all stakeholders. The scope allows the manager to know all aspects relevant for the project's success including labor, costs, and time. Also, it is the basis upon which all the major decisions related to the project are made. Additionally, a project manager should take the scope of the project seriously because it helps minimize the risks that come up with disruptions and change orders while adhering to the budget and deadline.

Q2: Issues, which occur during a project tend to be related to the scope. In this regard, Hassan, Younas, and Bhaumik (2020) note that the proper management of scope allows one to accurately map out all the costs, labor, equipment, and infrastructure necessary to successfully complete the project. The management of the scope is comprised of three processes. First, there is the planning phase, which entails describing the work to be done. Second, there is the controlling stage, which covers the documentation and tracking of the project, in addition to approving or disapproving any changes. Finally, there is the closing phase, which entails an audit of all project variables and an assessment of the original plan's outcomes. In all these three processes, there are various issues that may impact the success or failure of a project. All the processes are also related to proper scope management. Thus, proper structuring and appraisal of scope in a project is the difference between a successful venture and a failed one.

Poorly defined scope statements are normally linked to project problems or failed projects. First, a poor scope statement may result in the setting of unclear project objectives (Alkhaffaf, 2018). In such a situation, the team members may be unsure of their roles and overall outcome of the project resulting in inefficient work characterized by low output and productivity. Second, a poor scope statement may lead to poor time management. An unclear scope implies that there will be no clear schedule to follow. In turn, this means there will be no deadlines to meet resulting in procrastination and laziness, in addition to poor project deliverables. Third, there is the issue of limited support from stakeholders (Alkhaffaf, 2018). The lack of scope will result in varying stakeholder expectations. This will create a poor work environment where there is no unity and collaboration to attain a common goal. Finally, the lack of a well-defined scope will result in dissatisfied clients. Not having a clear scope may result in shoddy work, not meeting deadlines, or excessive funds. Consequently, a company may lack repeat clients and have its brand or image damaged.

References

Alkhaffaf, M. (2018). The role of user involvement in the success of project scope management. International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 9(10.14569).

Corvello, V., Javernick-Will, A., & Ratta, A. M. L. (2017). Routine project scope management in small construction enterprises. International Journal of Project Organisation and Management, 9(1), 18-30.

Hassan, A., Younas, S., & Bhaumik, A. (2020). Exploring an agile plus approach for project scope, time, and cost management. International Journal of Information Technology Project Management (IJITPM), 11(2), 72-89.