Prioritizing competing requirements and reaching stakeholder sign-off
Key Takeaway
Separate needs from wants, scope the needs first, and confirm the in-scope list with all stakeholders.
Stakeholders rarely agree on what matters most. They also often ask for more than the schedule and budget allow. Prioritizing competing requirements means separating what is essential from what is only desired, then using structured group methods to rank the options. Sign-off is the point where the project team and stakeholders reach consensus on a scope that clearly states what is in and what is out.
What project scope is
Scope comes from requirements provided by the sponsor and key stakeholders. Scope states precisely what is and is not included.
Scope planning is a joint effort between the project team and key stakeholders. They meet to define, discuss, and document requirements, and they must reach consensus on them. The requirements must be detailed enough that nobody misunderstands what the project will deliver.