Project Scope and Deliverables

The project scope defines the boundaries of a project. If the boundaries of the project, programme, or portfolio are not properly defined and if additions to and deletions from the project, programme or portfolio are not properly documented, then the situation tends to get out of control. From the point of view of the stakeholders the scope embraces the totality of all the deliverables, which are included in a project.

The solutions within the scope gradually evolve from the initial concept of the project to the final deliverables, through the documents that define those deliverables in more and more detail as they are developed. From the view of the stakeholders the scope and deliverables represent the total content (functional, technical and user interface characteristics) included in the project.

The project should deliver all that are described within its scope. In some types of project, the scope also includes the geographical and user's environment where new systems or changes to existing systems delivered by the project will be operated. In defining the scope of a project, it is also important to stipulate what are out of its scope.

The deliverables of a successful project, programme or portfolio are tangible or intangible assets created by the project, programme or portfolio for the customer. They are represented by drawings, schematics, descriptions, models, prototypes, systems and products of various kinds.

Deliverables are not only the product sold or service put into use after project closure, but also the operational processes, organisational changes and human resource changes needed for a successful organisation to operate. The project deliverables may be classified in terms of their priority (must have; nice to have; if there is time), by agreement with the stakeholders. Those of lower priority may not be delivered if there are time constraints. The configuration and specification of the deliverables have to comply with the project requirements and objectives.

Project management should understand and manage the content of the project, the work requirements and the timeframe.