2.9.7: Scoping at the Right Level- What’s In, What’s Out, and Why It Matters
- Page ID
- 49260
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Scoping at the Right Level: What’s In, What’s Out, and Why It Matters
A C-Bay Planning Guide for Milestone 1
Introduction
Scope defines the boundaries of the work. In Milestone 1, the Scope section anchors UCMS’s planning phase by clarifying exactly what is included—and what isn’t.
What Is Project Scope?
- Work to be performed
- Deliverables to be produced
- Features/systems included in this phase
- Boundaries of responsibility
For Milestone 1, scope covers planning and chartering activities, not design or implementation.
Why Scope Matters
Clear scope:
- Aligns expectations
- Prioritizes efforts
- Reduces risks
- Defines responsibility
Unclear scope causes drift, scope creep, and client frustration.
Planner’s Questions Before Writing
- What is the phase’s purpose?
- What deliverables will be produced?
- What is excluded?
- Where does this phase end?
Structure of a Scope Statement
Include:
- Overview – Brief description of in-scope work
- Deliverables – Items to be produced
- Exclusions – Work not included
- Boundaries – Departments/systems covered
Sample Scope for UCMS:
This phase includes stakeholder analysis, workflow documentation, system requirement definition, and planning deliverables (Project Charter, Stakeholder Map, Requirements Matrix). It excludes system design, procurement, and training.
In Scope / Out of Scope Examples
| In Scope | Out of Scope |
|---|---|
| Stakeholder interviews | Vendor selection |
| Workflow mapping | Data migration |
| Drafting charter | System build |
Common Mistakes
- Too vague (“We will deliver a system”)
- Too technical for planning phase
- Overly long and unfocused
- Avoiding scope definition entirely
Why Scope Is Leadership
It tells the client:
“Here’s what we’re doing. Here’s what we’re not doing. Here’s how we’ll stay aligned.”