How to Create a Project Scope Checklist

[jrineakter]

Have you ever started a project only to see it drift off course? That’s scope creep, a common pitfall in most projects, from software development and marketing to construction, heavy machinery, and even public sector initiatives.

McKinsey found that only one in every 200 IT projects met all three criteria for successful project intent (budget, schedule, and benefits).

But there is a solution. A well-crafted project management plan can keep your project on track and save you money.

Do you want to avoid the costly consequences of project delays and scope creep ? This handy checklist outlines the steps required to create the perfect project scope statement for any industry.

Understanding the scope of a project
A project scope statement is switzerland number data a formal document that outlines the boundaries of a project and defines what is and is not included. It ensures that the project team understands its goals, deliverables, and constraints.

A project scope statement typically contains four key elements:

Project Objectives: Specific goals and outcomes that the project aims to achieve
**Tangible results to be achieved
**Inclusions (and exclusions): Specific tasks, activities, or components of the project that are (or are not) included in the project.
**Restrictions: Limitations or restrictions that may affect the project
Developing a well-defined project scope statement can help prevent project overruns and keep the project on track. A project scope statement serves these purposes:

Reduce Risks : By clearly defining project boundaries, you help mitigate the risks associated with scope creep, cost overruns, and schedule delays.
Increase efficiency: By knowing what is crucial from the beginning, you can better allocate resources and manage your budget.
Keeps stakeholders happy : Because everyone agrees on the project outcomes in advance, conflicts and scope creep can be minimized in the future.
**Serves as a reference point: When questions arise or team members change, the project scope statement can be a reliable source of truth.
In short, a project scope statement provides clarity, direction, and control, allowing the project to be completed on time and on budget.

How to Write a Project Scope Statement (with Examples)
Now that we’ve covered what a project scope statement is and why you need one, let’s look at how you can create one for more accurate project direction and better team alignment. We’ll also examine how project management tools like ClickUp can support the process, helping teams organize tasks, track progress, and collaborate effectively.

Here's a quick summary of the key steps:

Checklist for creating a project scope statement


**Also read 9-point project management checklist for executives

1. Find out your "whats" and "whys"
Understanding the purpose of your project is critical to creating a clear and compelling (and well-intentioned) scope statement. This involves identifying project objectives, business needs, and desired outcomes.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself during this phase:

What problem does the project solve?
What are the desired outcomes or benefits?
How does this project align with the organization's overall goals?
This step is your North Star, guiding your choices and decisions as you shape your project plan. During this phase, bring together the entire project team (or at least the key stakeholders). Not only will different team members bring different perspectives to the discussion, but by involving someone from the beginning, you'll feel more invested in the outcome of the project.

Use a virtual whiteboard tool to make the discussion more interactive (especially if you're a remote or hybrid team). For example, ClickUp's Project Scope Whiteboard Template can help you brainstorm as a team and create a draft of your project scope.