SCOPE OF WORK
SCOPE NARRATIVE
SCOPE STATEMENT

COMMON ACRONYMS
SCOPE

SOURCES OF INFORMATION/ COMMON STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
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DEFINITION
It is a written document, a narrative, that describes in detail (it is not a specification) the nature of work to be executed or delivered. The project scope is often detailed in a document called a scope statement or statement of work. A key step in scope management is the creation of the project scope document. It acts as a record of what was agreed to, so there is no confusion throughout the project. Without this record, people have to rely on their memories to recall what was agreed to. The document shows all or some of the following;

1. Introduction to the Program/ Project
2. Justification of the Project/ Business Objectives
3. Salient Features/ Context Diagrams/ Location Maps/ Coordinates
4. Functions and Processes
5. Impacts, such as on Environment and Society
6. Goals, Performance Expectations (SMART)
7. Existing Conditions such as environment, topography, geotechncial, hydrology, seismic, wind, social, cultural, technical etc.
8. Missing Information
9. Obligations of all Parties
10. Deliverables
11. Limitations, Obstacles, Constraints, Exclusions and Boundaries
12. Assumptions
13. Phases, Stages and Zones
14. Space Programs
15. List of End-users, Stakeholders and their roles
16. Deadlines/ Key Milestones
17. Acceptance Criteria
18. Risks and Uncertianities
19. Special Requirements and Instructions, such as designs, local content etc.
20. Resource Requirements
21. Communications Requirements
22. Reporting Requirements
23. Interfaces
24. Alternatives and Contingencies
25. Operational Requirements
26. Project Management/ Execution Requirements
27. Procurement Strategy
28. Organisational Requirements
29. Sign-off by all stakeholders

WHY
It is an essential part of the contract or agreement where all expected tasks and deliverables are explained with the purpose of aligning expectations (a shared vision) between all parties/ stakeholders.

WHEN
The Scope Statement or Scope document shall be written at the very onset/ initiation of the project. As the project life cycle continues, the scope is refined and becomes more and more eleborate and specific. At some point the scope freezes and actual work/ execution starts. Deviations from the scope might happen during execution which have impacts on time and costs, thus developing a flexible, agreeable (to stakeholders) and clear scope is important for the project success.

HOW
The project manager is generally responsible for writing the project scope document. This document requires input from the customer and any major stakeholders, including end-users, project sponsors, subject matter experts, and others. There are no set standards for creating a scope fo work, but the following aspects can be of help while developing the document.

1. Template: Develop a Template with all necessay headings/ contents and use it for all the Scope documents to be preapred in the organisation. In this way the information that is specific to the organisation or the organisational policies will become standardised and will not have to be repeatedly written.
2. Brainstorming: Its always a good idea to gather the team, explain the task at hand and get ideas.
3. Information: Gather different sources of information and the related documents to support the narrative.
4. Clarity: SOW is a defining document, it is specific, and detailed with lots of clarity and no gray areas that could lead to ambiguity around the project. There are no jargons or vague statements so that different people do not interpret the text differently.
5. Conflicts: If multiple stakeholders have conflicting requests, it’s important to find a suitable compromise and document it, so there’s no confusion or question or conflict later.
6. Focus: The project can only be manageable if the scope document is written with a focus to proceed in a specific direction to avoid scope creep or delays.
7. Organise: Develop a high level project schedule, deliverabels list, milestones, list of possible interfaces, organisational structure, list AHJs, earmark stakeholders etc to understand all impacts.
8. Risks: Think of all the possible risks and uncertainities, and develop mitigation strategies.
9. Plan B: Always think of a plan B, while developing strategies for procurement and delivery.
10. Sign-off: Ask all the stakeholders, end users, project managers and sponsors to sign the SOW before tendering/ execution.

EXAMPLES
The following is an example of a scope of work document, developed for the "ONE-PPM Employees Residential Complex".

1. Introduction to the Program
ONE-PPM is a Non-Governmental Organisation involved in developing institutions/ facilities related to long term healthcare. ONE-PPM manages various long term healthcare institutions in the city. The total number of residents being taken care of are 1500 in 10 different facilities. ONE-PPM has a staff of 1400 employees working in its Down Town office and in various healthcare facilties.
2. Introduction to the Project
ONE-PPM intends to enter into a contract with a Contractor (2nd Party) of international repute for design and construction of the "ONE-PPM Employees Residential Complex". A Detailed Master Plan with an Infrastructure plan, and a Concept Design of the facility with various key assets has been developed by the Designer. Upon award of Contract, the Contractor shall develop the detailed design of all assets, facilities, amenities, utilities and infrastructure for ONE-PPM acceptance. While the detailed design process is undergoing, the Contractor will issue IFC for early works package for ONE-PPM acceptance, and start works on site. The remaining scope of work shall be completed like-wise, using fast track methods of construction. All designs and construction shall be carried out according to International Building Code, International standards and ONE-PPM procedures and guidelines. All studies, designs and works shall be reviewed and accepted by various stakeholders before implementation. completed works shall be handed over to the Third party Operator contracted and designated by ONE-PPM or ONE-PPM internal Facilities Management department.
1. Objectives
To provide better residential facilties to its staff, ONE-PPM intends to develop an exclusive residential compound with modernistic features, recreational facilities, wellness, healthcare, fire station, security and pleasant livibility provisions according to international standards for design and construction.
2. Features
3. Existing Conditions
3. Scope Deliverables
4. Obligations of Parties
5. Stakeholder Management

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