Project Management ToolBox: Tools and Techniques for the Practicing Project Manager

11

Scope Control

You could not step twice into the same rivers; for other waters are ever flowing on to you.

Heraclitus

Major topics in this chapter are scope control tools:

• Change Coordination Matrix
• Project Change Request
• Project Change Log

The purpose of these tools is to zero in on controlling the scope of a project in the course of project plan execution (see Figure 11.1). Closely coordinated with the schedule and cost control tools, the scope control tools help the project team get their arms around the sound scope changes and updated scope baseline. This information about the updates is used to report project progress and close down the project at the end of the implementation. Helping in this effort are team development, quality, risk, and other controls.

Figure 11.1 This is when and how scope control tools are used in the standardized project management process.

This chapter focuses on preparing practicing and prospective project managers to acquire the following skills:

• Become familiar with various scope control tools in the proactive cycle of project control.
• Select scope control tools that match specifics of their situation.
• Customize the tools of their choice.

The acquisition of these skills is critically important in successfully implementing the project and building the SPM process.

Change Coordination Matrix

What Is the Change Control Matrix?

Think of the Change ...