Whenever you identify an item for the scope or out-of-scope, make sure you document it then and there. In order to follow this method, you need to have a defined scope up to a certain level. When you go on defining the out of scope, you will automatically get an idea of the real project scope. Once you get to know the main deliverables of the project, start asking questions about the other processes and different aspects of the project.ДЇirst identifying and clearly defining the out of scope also helps you to understand the scope of a project. By looking at the deliverables, you can actually gauge the project scope. As a matter of fact, there should be one or more deliveries addressing each project objective in the project. Project objectives can be used for defining the project scope. In case, if you feel that you do not have enough information to come up with a high-level scope statement, you should then work closely with the client in order gather necessary information. In addition to the SOW, you need to use any other document or information in order to further define the project scope at this level. This high-level scope statement can be taken from the initial documents such as SOW. There can be a high level-scope statement prepared at this level. When the project is about to be funded, there should be a set of defined deliveries and objectives for the project. Therefore, you should identify more elements in detailed manner and divide them among the scope and out of scope. In the project scope definition, the elements within the scope and out of the scope are well defined in order to clearly understand what will be the area under the project control. SOW, or in other words, Statement of Work, is one such document. Therefore, the defined scope of the project usually included into the contractual agreements between the client and the service provider. You need to get the client's agreement as well. Clearly describing the boundaries is not enough when it comes to project. The main purpose of the scope definition is to clearly describe the boundaries of your project.

If you do not do a good job in project scope definition, project scope management during the project execution is almost impossible. In most of the instances, you actually do not have any chance to success with this unorganized approach. In case if you start the project without knowing what you are supposed to be delivering at the end to the client and what the boundaries of the project are, there is a little chance for you to success. When it comes to project planning, defining the project scope is the most critical step.

Project planning tools definition