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Project Analysis : Project Management

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Project Scope is defined as the set of activities that must be undertaken to deliver a product, services, or result with defined features and specifications. Defining the scope and then adhering to it through the project life cycle is an integral part of the project. Failing to define the scope appropriately before start or even changing scope as the project proceeds may lead to significant time and cost implications for the project. As can be seen in the real world, very rarely does a project follow its project scope through the project lifecycle. Following are some reasons explaining why projects exceed their scope and how project managers can tackle the problem: 1. Project Estimation At the time of Project estimation, there lays …show more content…

This new planning estimate is generally higher than the initially estimated project costs as it may be impossible for firms to fully quantify uncertainties. The planning estimate or “Control” estimate acts as a baseline as it is strongly emphasized to maintain this estimate throughout the project cycle. It is critical that Project Managers work towards devising a realistic control estimate because a project proceeds hardly as planned. Project Managers must create contingency plans for all aspects of the project to account for any risks. Contingency costs are associated with contingency plans and should be added to the control estimate for the project. 3. External Changes Scope creep can be caused by changes that are external to the company, such as new safety legislations, changes in regulatory and certification, market, or even change in technology being utilized. As these external changes occur, new project estimates must be planned and since these changes can affect multiple aspects of a project, the project scope changes. However, these changes may occur at any time during the project life cycle and it may be possible that the relevant team responsible for estimation are no longer with the project. Project Managers must ensure to plan for this risk, and must have the necessary data and expertise available at all times to create the new control estimate. 4. ‘Naughty Customers’ and ‘Silly Contractors’

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