Chapter: September 2016 - Don’t Gold Plate That Project

Title: Don’t Gold Plate That Project: Scope Management and the Dangers of Scope Creep

NOTE CHANGE IN REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULE - RESCHEDULED FROM SEPT. 29th

Abstract

Successful scope management is one of the key processes required for positive project outcomes.  Effectively maintaining a project’s scope helps ensures that all the work required, and only the work required, is completed to the satisfaction of both the team and the requesting client or organization. Agreeing on a clearly defined scope before project planning is completed (and before the execution of the project begins) with key stakeholders is essential foundation for project success. In addition, validating the scope of deliverables and buy in will secure the support needed to move ahead as each project piece is completed.

One of the most insidious of project management issues is that of scope creep. Scope creep is a situation where uncontrolled changes or continuous growth of the project's scope occur without adjustments to time, budget, or resources. Without proper management and foresight, scope creep can be the beginnings of a failed project.

In this presentation the speakers will review important scope management concepts, identify tools and techniques to avoid scope creep, address a number of scope management pitfalls including gold plating, and discuss scope management best practices.

Learning Objectives: Attendees will get a better understanding of the following:

• Key Scope management inputs, tools and techniques and outputs
• Scope Creep
• Scope Creep Risks and Impacts
• Stakeholder Management and Change Requests
• Monitoring and Controlling the Scope  
• Scope Verification

About the Speakers:

Dr. Nathan Johnson is an Assistant Professor in project management at Western Carolina University and a certified Project Management Professional. He has taught project management since 2011. His past work experience includes working projects at the municipal, state, and federal government level, including geographic information systems, software distribution, government contracting, and healthcare. At the federal level, he has worked as a contract auditor for the General Services Administration and later served as a Medical Services Corps officer in the US Air Force. During his Air Force tenure, he worked in all facets of hospital administration managing projects in information systems, logistics, facility management, and disaster recovery.  His research interests lie in the consumerization of IT in organizations and how it can affect project management. He has published in journals such as the Journal of Engineering, Project, and Production Management, the International Journal of Construction Management, and the Journal of Information Technology Case and Application Research. He has also presented at the former PMI Research and Education Conference.

Dr. Yang Fan is an Associate Professor in project management at Western Carolina University and a certified Project Management Professional. He has taught project management since 2008. His current research interests include project stakeholder management, organizational behavior, and international project management. Dr. Fan has published 13 scholarly journal articles and co-authored 3 books. He served on the board of PMI Quality Community of Practice (CoP) from 2010 to 2012, and on the board of PMI Quality Management Special Interest Group (SIG) from 2009 to 2010. Dr. Fan has served over 25 years in planning, business management, and education positions. Prior to joining Western Carolina University, he worked in China, France, and Saudi Arabia as project manager, researcher, and professor.