A part of being a successful project manager means understanding exactly what is needed to achieve the objectives in a project. Being able to define the scope of a project is crucial to the longevity of the client relationship and streamlining the communication and project lifeline. A highly successful digital agency, LLT Group, headquartered in Naperville, Illinois, explains why scoping a project is crucial to its success.
What Does it Mean to Scope Project?
Scope can be defined as the most valuable product that can be delivered within the constraints of a project or business. The set of processes that ensure a project’s scope is accurately defined and mapped is fundamental to the success of that project. Being able to accurately scope a project will enable project managers and supervisors to allocate the right amount of work and people necessary to complete a project.
When you sit down with a digital agency, the first thing they want to define is a landscape analysis, asking: why did you reach out? What is your current challenge? They will then ask you about your vision to get a real idea of what it is you are looking for: What is your ideal outcome? If this project goes perfectly, what will be different at the end of our collaboration? This helps the agency understand your expectations and will allow them to manage them throughout the project.
Another important step to scoping a project is for the agency to re-iterate back to the client what it is they feel they are looking for. Being able to ensure you are on the same page will set the tone for the rest of your collaboration together, it will also allow the agency to put together pricing packages that meet the company’s objectives on a sliding scale. LLT Group suggests using visual methods to help the client and delivery team get a holistic view of what is being created — like story maps.
Identify Project Objectives
Establishing the needs of the project will also allow you to start the project timeline, allocation of project resources, and setting project goals. You will need to identify the following: project objectives, goals, sub-phases, tasks, resources, budget, and schedule. In addition to identifying what you will need, it is also important to outline any aspects that are not to be included. LLT Group mentions that this will set expectations. Throughout the project, it will be important to have these values and goals on paper to ensure you do not deviate too far from the original objectives as the project develops.
You do not want to rush your way through defining the scope of a project. Defining scope allows the agency to be able to create a blueprint that aligns with the future goals and direction of the company and will set the tone for the rest of your partnership. Need help defining the scope of your next campaign or project? LLT Group has a lot of experience with scoping projects for its vast array of clients. For more information, please visit llt-group.com.
