Domain Process :Task 8 Plan and manage scope
Practice Questions Related to Task 8: Plan and Manage ScopeTask 8 Plan and manage scope
-Determine and prioritize requirements
-Break down scope (e.g., WBS, backlog)
-Monitor and validate scope
Navigating Scope Management in Predictive and Adaptive Project Environments
Determining and Prioritizing Requirements
Predictive Approach: In predictive project management, the requirement gathering process is formal and comprehensive. It involves creating a Requirement Document and a Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM). The Requirement Document details what is required from the project, whereas the RTM ensures that each requirement is traced back to its source and followed through the project lifecycle, ensuring no requirement is lost or misunderstood.
Adaptive Approach: In adaptive (Agile) projects, the focus is on the Product Backlog, which consists of user stories and epics. User stories are small, manageable chunks of functionality, described in a simple language from the user’s perspective. Epics are larger bodies of work that are broken down into smaller user stories during backlog refinement sessions. The Definition of Ready is used to ensure that user stories are adequately detailed and prepared before they enter the development phase.
Breaking Down Scope: WBS and Backlog
Predictive Approach: In predictive projects, the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a key tool. It is a hierarchical decomposition of work that defines and organizes the project’s deliverables into manageable sections. The WBS and its accompanying dictionary are crucial for understanding and managing the project scope, ensuring adherence to the 100% rule – everything in the project scope is included in the WBS.
Adaptive Approach: In adaptive projects, while the formal WBS is less common, the concept of breaking down work is still vital. This is achieved through the Product Backlog Refinement and the use of INVEST criteria for upcoming user stories. INVEST stands for Independent, Negotiable, Valuable, Estimable, Small, and Testable, ensuring that user story expected to get implemented in near future are well crafted and manageable.
Scope Baseline: Predictive Projects
In predictive project management, the scope baseline is a critical component. It includes the project scope statement, WBS, and WBS dictionary. The scope baseline serves as the foundation for the project, against which project performance is measured and controlled. It ensures that all team members are aligned on what the project will deliver and how it will be delivered.
Monitoring and Validating Scope
Predictive Approach: Scope validation in predictive projects involves regularly comparing the project deliverables against the scope baseline. This includes reviews and approvals at various stages of the project to ensure that the project remains on track and adheres to the agreed-upon scope.
Adaptive Approach: In adaptive projects, scope validation is an iterative process. Regular backlog refinement sessions and sprint reviews are conducted to assess the work completed and to adapt the future work based on feedback and changing requirements. This process ensures that the project continually aligns with stakeholder needs and project goals.
Conclusion
Effective scope management is a cornerstone of successful project delivery, whether in a predictive or adaptive environment. Understanding the nuances of requirement gathering, scope decomposition, and scope validation in each approach is key. Predictive projects benefit from detailed documentation and planning, while adaptive projects thrive on flexibility and continuous iteration. Both approaches, however, share the common goal of ensuring that the project delivers value aligned with stakeholders’ expectations and business objectives.
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