Project Scope Template

What is a project scope template in Project Management?

A project scope is an extremely detailed document that outlines the entirety of a project. This project scope statement helps everyone understand what the project includes and what it will not include.

A project manager is the author of the scope of the project. They are responsible for including all stakeholders in and out of the project team. They're also responsible for the project plan, getting project sign off, detailing project assumptions, exclusions, and more.

Without a project scope, your project is likely to fall victim to scope creep due to unforeseen change requests, miscommunication among team members, or hitting a bottleneck in a certain part of the project. However, with a good project scope and project planning skills, you'll lead an agile team of key stakeholders to measurable success.

How to write a project scope?

To write a project scope document you need to follow these 6 simple steps:

• Step 1: Get a high level overview on what the project is about.
• Step 2: Define the project objetive and resources needed to execute the project.
• Step 3: Gather all stakeholders that should be involved and outline their responsibilities within the project.
• Step 4: Define project expectations and milestones to make sure everyone is on track.
• Step 5: Identify possible challenges and limitations to properly manage them.
• Step 6: Determine which tasks or projects are out of the scope to set boundaries and increase  focus.

What are the project scope deliverables?

A project scope aims to deliver all achievable goals and requirements. It should cover the entirety of the project lifecycle and will be a reference point that sets you up for success in your next project.

Your scope of work should include level requirements, metrics, and KPIs, project deliverables, and expected project outcomes. It is possibly the most in-depth project management document a project manager will need to put together.‍

What can a project scope template do for me?

Each specific project will need its own project scope and work breakdown structure (wbs), and this is certainly not something you should think about breezing through for appearance's sake. The project objectives, project requirements, and project goals listed in your scope document will not only help team members to succeed; they'll help you succeed too.

Every project manager has a lot on their plate. You're essentially building your project wiki so you have a constant resource to refer to and can help build a successful project with.

Pro Tip: Use your project scope document to clarify everything in and out of scope for your project. This manages expectations and sets everyone up for success.

How to use this project scope template

To excel with this project scope template, take your time with it. Project scope management is about the details. It's about predicting multiple outcomes, barriers, and constraints, and being prepared to overcome them.

Plus, this project scope statement template can adapt to fit your business's or department's needs. Please don't see it as the end-all of project scope templates. It's the bare bones, and it's down to you to tailor it so it works best for you and your project team.

A scope of work (sow) is an absolute must for a successful project. So, please make time to do it, and give it the attention it deserves. Once it's complete, share it with team members and project stakeholders to ensure you're all on the same page and ready to launch a project with the utmost preparation and confidence in hand.