Develop and apply methods, tools and techniques to develop and manage project scope

It involves identifying, developing, and applying appropriate methods, tools, and techniques that should be considered for successful project scope management.

I. Defining Project Scope

Project scope is the part of project planning that involves determining and documenting a list of specific project goals, deliverables, features, functions, tasks, deadlines, and costs. It helps to define what the project is about, what it includes and excludes, and the specific objectives that guide the completion of the project.

Methods for defining project scope include:

• Goals and Objectives: This method involves listing the specific outcomes, benefits, or skills that are expected at the end of the project. This could include the construction of a particular structure, implementation of a new process, or creation of a new product.
• Requirements: Here, all that is necessary for the project to be completed successfully is clarified, from resources to timelines and outcomes.
• Deliverables: This involves detailing the physical product or intangible service that must be produced before the project can be considered complete.

II. Tools for Developing Project Scope

Various tools can be leveraged for determining project scope. These may include:

• Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): This is a chart that visualises the work to be done on a project. Each level of the WBS breaks down the project’s scope into smaller, more manageable parts.
• Projects Requirements Documentation: Detailed records of the project requirements can provide clarity on the project scope, expectations, and measures for success.
• Scope Management Plan: This tool outlines how the project scope will be defined, developed, monitored, controlled, and validated.

III. Techniques for Managing Project Scope

Proper scope management techniques prevent scope creep, overlooked tasks, and other issues that can derail the project. These techniques include:

• Scope Validation: This involves formalizing acceptance of the project’s deliverables. It confirms the project’s scope and ensures it’s completely understood and agreed upon by stakeholders.
• Variance Analysis: It measures performance by comparing planned to actual outcomes and undertakes corrective measures if necessary.
• Change Control System: This is a formal process used to ensure that any changes to the product or project are introduced in a controlled and coordinated manner.

An example of these methods, tools, and techniques in action could be a construction project to build a new warehouse.

The project scope may include the building of the warehouse, complete with all necessary facilities such as electricity and plumbing. Tools used in developing this scope might include a work breakdown structure to plan the various stages of construction, detailed documentation of the project requirements (such as blueprints and supply lists), and a scope management plan outlining who is responsible for what tasks and when they should be completed.

The chosen scope management techniques for the project could include regular validation of project deliverables (such as completion of the building’s foundation or installation of electricity lines) against the planned outcomes. Variance analysis might be used to check if the project is running on time and on budget, and a change control system would manage any changes to the initial project plans (like adding extra facilities to the warehouse).

In conclusion, once you understand, develop, and apply the appropriate methods, tools, and techniques for your respective projects, you’ll stand a better chance of not just passing your PMI-CP exam, but also executing successful construction projects.

Keep in mind that clarity and regular communication are key to effective project scope management. A project well-defined is a project half-accomplished.