Ensures that the descriptions of the projects products are correct and complete
Configuration management is concerned with identifying, tracking and protecting a project’s deliverables or products from unauthorised change. Show
What is configuration management?The term configuration management originates from the software industry, where it was used to keep control of the various versions of programs and other files of data that were created during the course of a software development initiative. In most programmes, management products such as the vision statement, business blueprint and programme plan are examples of documents requiring the application of configuration management. Project briefs, project initiation documents, business cases, checkpoint and highlight reports are examples of project documentation that usually require some form of configuration management. Purpose of configuration managementWithin a project, the purpose of configuration management is to identify, track and protect the project’s deliverables or products from unauthorised change. Configuration management is a discipline that gives precise control over the project’s assets allowing managers to:
Within a project the job of configuration management is to provide:
Configuration management may be applied to all version-controlled deliverables including:
The main rule is that only one person should have the ability to update a controlled item at any one time. A library system could be used to check out an item for update, and check in the item when the work has been completed. Various access and authorisation rules can be applied to ensure people follow the procedures. The controls can be enforced physically, for example with password systems, but allowance must be made for those times when operational emergencies occur. Configuration management roles and responsibilitiesThe configuration management plan will outline the detail of the roles and responsibilities of configuration management but, typically, the main roles are: Project Scope Management refers to the set of processes that ensure a project’s scope is accurately defined and mapped. Scope Management techniques enable project managers and supervisors to allocate the right amount of work necessary to successfully complete a project—concerned primarily with controlling what is and what is not part of the project’s scope. For a project manager, scope knowledge area is critical, and the Project Management Institute (PMI)® emphasizes this. Enroll in our PMP® Certification Course today and develop a strong foundation in the principles of project management. What is Project Scope?Scope refers to the detailed set of deliverables or features of a project. These deliverables are derived from a project’s requirements. PMBOK® defines Project Scope as the “The work that needs to be accomplished to deliver a product, service, or result with the specified features and functions.” Post Graduate Program In Project ManagementThe Complete Project Management ProgramExplore CourseFollowing are the three processes of Project Scope Management:
Importance of Project Scope ManagementIf you are managing a project, keeping an eye on the expectations of stakeholders and clients can be one of the most challenging tasks. But with a clear scope and set timeline, a project manager can more easily ensure that deadlines are met and time is efficiently used throughout the life cycle of the project. Project scope management helps avoid a number of common problems such as:
Scope management is a necessity for long-term project management. It allows an estimation of how much time, labor, and money will be necessary for accomplishing the project. Scope is a critical component of project management; it sets parameters for the changing aspects of the project life cycle. Project Scope StatementThe scope of a project is the clear identification of the work that is required to complete or deliver a project successfully. One of the project manager’s responsibilities is to ensure that only the needed work (the scope) will be performed and that each of the deliverables can be completed in the allotted time and within budget. The documentation of the scope of the project will explain the boundaries of the project, establish the responsibilities of each member of the team, and set up procedures for how a work that is completed will be verified and approved. This documentation may be referred to as the scope statement, the statement of work, or the terms of reference. FREE Introduction to Project Management CourseMaster project management basics in one goEnrol NowSteps Involved in Project Scope ManagementAs a project manager, you’ll need to define project scope no matter what methodology you choose. Here’s one example of a systematic process to capture, define, and monitor scope.
Steps for Defining the Scope of a Project
To define the scope of the project, identify the above parameters. Once these parameters are established, the limitations of the project need to be clarified, and the aspects that are not to be included in the project identified. By doing this, the project scope will make clear to stakeholders, senior management, and team members what will and will not be included in the final product or service. Additionally, the scope of the project should have a tangible objective for the organization that is undertaking the project. This is integral for the scope of the project since it will play a vital role in how project methodologies are applied to complete it. PMP Plus Master's ProgramAll You Need To Maintain Your PMP CertificationExplore CourseProject Scope Management ProcessesEnroll for the PMP certification and advance your career by learning the top skills demanded in the industry. 1. Plan Scope ManagementIt is the first process in the Project Scope Management process. The PMBOK® Guide, Fifth Edition, added several processes to separate the initial planning activities from other activities. This process creates the Scope Management plan. The Scope Management plan describes the project scope and documents how it will be further defined, validated, and controlled. The table below shows the Inputs, Tools and Techniques, and Outputs of the Plan Scope Management Process. The Project Scope Management plan covers how the scope will be defined, validated, and controlled. It also includes information on preventing or dealing with scope creep, handling change requests, the escalation path for any disagreement on the scope elements between stakeholders, the process for the creation of the scope statement, WBS, and how the deliverables will be accepted. (FREE) PMP Training CourseLearn From Experts & Pass PMP Exam in the 1st Go!Enroll Now2. Collect RequirementsThis process involves documenting stakeholders’ needs with the stated intent of meeting the project’s objectives. In this process, managers use several techniques and tools for collecting project requirements from stakeholders. The process attempts to leave no stone unturned, resulting in an in-depth list of project requirements. If this process is performed thoroughly and correctly, it can significantly reduce the possibility of unpleasant surprises as the project moves toward completion. The table below shows the Inputs, Tools and Techniques, and Outputs of the Collect Requirements process. 3. Define ScopeThis process involves the preparation of a detailed description of the project and its major deliverables. The scope clearly states what the project is supposed to achieve and what it cannot accomplish. The supporting documents are reviewed to ensure that the project will deliver work in line with the stated goals. The scope that results states the stakeholders’ needs and communicates expectations for project performance. The table below shows the Inputs, Tools and Techniques, and Outputs of the Define Scope Process. PMP Certification Training CourseFor your next role as a Project ManagerView Course4. Create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is an important element of the Scope Management process, and the PMI® places great emphasis on this aspect—many project managers often skip this step, which leads to inaccurate planning. The WBS provides the project manager and the team with the opportunity to break down a high-level scope statement into smaller, manageable units of work, called work packages. The resulting WBS should provide a complete list of all work packages required to complete the project The table below shows the Inputs, Tools and Techniques, and Outputs of the Create Work Breakdown Structure process. 5. Validate ScopeThe Validate Scope process focuses mainly on customer acceptance. It is when the project customer formally accepts all the project deliverables. This process occurs at the end of each phase. During the process, the customer gives feedback on the work that was performed. The table below shows the Inputs, Tools and Techniques, and Outputs of the Validate Scope process. FREE Course: Introduction to CAPM®Become a CAPM® with this course for FREEEnrol Now6. Control ScopeControl Scope is the last process group of project Scope Management. The Control Scope process involves monitoring the status of the project and managing changes to the scope. The table below shows the Inputs, Tools and Techniques, and Outputs of the Scope Control process. This process involves assessing additional requirements from the customer or proactively overlooking the project scope. Managers measure the work product against the scope baseline to ensure that the project stays on track, and all requested changes & recommended corrective or preventive actions are processed through the integrated change control process. Find Our PMP Training in Top Cities IndiaUnited StatesOther CountriesPMP Certification in BangalorePMP Certification in CharlottePMP Certification in DubaiPMP Certification in DelhiPMP Certification in Los AngelesPMP Certification in CairoPMP Certification in PunePMP Certification in San FranciscoPMP Certification in ManilaProject Scope Management TipsSome common issues with performing Project Scope Management can lead to problems once the project has begun. We recommend reviewing all Scope Management documentation with an eye toward:
The first thing about scope management isn't the scope itself. There are five planning steps to scope management. To even get started on your project, it's best to have a good idea of what it will be. Your customer will want to know what processes you will use and how you will execute your project. There's a difference between that and your project plan. If you're not too sure about the five Project Scope Management Steps, make a note about them now.
Having a good understanding of and paying attention to these steps when managing scope is essential to getting the project completed effectively.
So now that you know the steps, let's start with the basics. Clearly, this is an important idea and should not be ignored. To start a project you must understand the requirements. Knowledge of project requirements is the key to delivering successful projects. And no one can deliver successful projects without it. On the other hand, though, collecting project requirements can be a challenging task. After working as a project manager for so long, I'm sure you already know this. Inquire as to exactly what they desire. Probe those burning questions that you have, and take ample notes. However, do not get disheartened if your first client meeting does not provide you with all the information you need to go ahead with the project, because it is unlikely that it will.
If you start off your project with a vague idea of what you're going to do, you'll be less likely to make any concrete decisions, so take some time to plan out what you want to do before you say anything to your client. When you're back at the office, take time to document what you know about the project. Once you're done, share your thoughts with your co-workers and get feedback on your expectations and goals for the project. To create your final project proposal, draft a rough sketch and make a list of your expectations. Understandably, this is a lot of work so delegate as much as possible to your team and set them tasks so they can research different tasks for you and share the answers with you.
A good first step for most any project is to include stakeholders from the start, even before you finalize the project scope.. The project scope sets the ground work for your proposal and outlines the expected output of your project.
As soon as you feel confident in the specific needs of your project, the next step is to outline its scope. This is the section where you should detail what your project will deliver. It should also outline what will not be delivered, as well as the budget and schedule.
When you are finished developing the project scope, present it to your client. Utilize this chance to discuss your project's expected results and benchmarks. Share the expected budget and project timeline. Why Project Managers Need Scope Management?Effective Project Scope Management requires clear communication, to ensure that stakeholders and team members alike understand the scope of the project while agreeing on how the project goals will be met. Scope Management helps avoid the challenges that a project might face with bloating scope and an unruly requirements list. Project scope clearly sets out what is or is not included in the project, and controls what gets added or removed as the project is executed. Scope Management establishes control mechanisms to address factors that may result in changes during the project lifecycle. Without defining the project scope, the cost and time that the project will take cannot be estimated. At times, due to a lack of communication, the scope may need to change. It directly affects the cost and disturbs the schedule of the project, causing losses. ConclusionProject Scope Management is not difficult to implement; however, it does require effort, time, and patience. It’s worth the investment because proper Scope Management will help you specify a clear scope and deliver the project with minimal overruns. If you’re studying for your PMP exam, consider online PMP Certification training from Simplilearn. We offer a wide variety of project management courses like the Post Graduate Program in Project Management taught by certified faculty with at least 10 years of industry experience. Are you looking forward to making a mark in the Project Management field? If yes, enroll in the Project Management Fundamental Program now and get a step closer to your career goal! Find our PMP® Certification Training Online Classroom training classes in top cities:NameDatePlacePMP® Certification Training Course16 Dec -4 Feb 2023,Weekdays batchYour CityView DetailsPMP Certification Training Course in Singapore17 Dec -28 Jan 2023, Weekend batchSingaporeView DetailsPMP® Certification Training Course17 Dec -28 Jan 2023, Weekend batchYour CityView Details About the AuthorAvantika MonnappaA project management and digital marketing knowledge manager, Avantika’s area of interest is project design and analysis for digital marketing, data science, and analytics companies. Which document recognizes the existence of a project and provides direction on the project's objectives and management?The project charter is a document that officially starts a project or a phase. It formally authorizes the existence of the project and provides a reference source for the future. The charter gives a direction and a sense of purpose to the management from start to end.
What tool or technique is used in the Develop project management plan process?Brainstorming – The brainstorming technique is used for developing the project management plan to gather ideas and solutions as to how the project is to be approached. Participants include the project team members, subject matter experts (SMEs), and stakeholders.
Which document should list and describe all of the deliverables required for the project?A project scope statement is a written document that includes all the required information for producing the project deliverables. It is more detailed than a statement of work; it helps the project team remain focused and on task.
Why is configuration management used in a project?Within a project, the purpose of configuration management is to identify, track and protect the project's deliverables or products from unauthorised change.
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