Defining Scope and Objectives
1. Creating a Project Charter
The Project Charter is a formal document that authorizes the project and gives the Project
Manager authority to allocate resources.
Key Components of a Project Charter:
Project Title & Description (Purpose, Business Case)
Objectives & Success Criteria (What defines success?)
Key Stakeholders (Sponsor, PM, Team, Clients)
High-Level Scope (Inclusions & Exclusions)
Budget & Timeline Estimates
Risks & Assumptions
Approval Signatures
Example: A software development project charter outlines the need for a new app,
expected benefits, and initial deadlines.
2. Defining Scope and Boundaries
Project Scope defines what is included (and excluded) in the project.
Key Steps:
1. Gather Requirements (Interviews, surveys, workshops)
2. Define Scope Statement (Clear deliverables & boundaries)
3. Identify Exclusions (What is not part of the project?)
4. Get Stakeholder Approval (Avoid scope creep later)
Example: A construction project scope includes building a house but excludes landscaping.
Avoiding Scope Creep
Change Control Process (Formal approval for changes)
Clear Documentation (Scope statement, WBS)
3. SMART Goals and Deliverables
Goals should be SMART to ensure clarity and achievability:
SMART
Explanation Example
Criteria
Clear and "Increase sales" ❌ → "Increase online sales by
Specific
unambiguous 15%"
"Improve customer satisfaction" ❌ → "Achieve
Measurable Quantifiable success
90% satisfaction score"
Realistic with given "Double revenue in 1 month" ❌ → "Increase
Achievable
resources revenue by 10% in Q3"
Aligns with business
Relevant "Redesign the logo" (if goal is brand awareness)
needs
"Launch the product" ❌ → "Launch by Dec
Time-bound Has a deadline
2025"
Deliverables are tangible outcomes (e.g., a report, software feature, constructed building).
4. Aligning with Organizational Strategy
Projects should support the company’s strategic goals (e.g., growth, efficiency, innovation).
How to Ensure Alignment?
Review Business Objectives (Mission, vision, KPIs)
Stakeholder Analysis (Who benefits from the project?)
Benefits Realization Plan (How will success be measured post-project?)
Example: A company aiming for digital transformation would prioritize IT infrastructure
upgrades.
