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Effective scope of work management (SOW) can save organizations time and money.

With so much at stake, project managers can’t afford to not spend time sharpening their scope of work management skill set.

Managing a project via a scope of work document effectively comes down to a project manager’s ability to define the scope at the project outset, control the scope during the project, and communicate scope changes to the appropriate parties.

Experts in scope of work management recommend gathering all the project requirements before undertaking a project. This information usually consists of things like:

  • What outcomes are stakeholders expecting?
  • How much do they expect it to cost?
  • What resources will be required?
  • When do they expect it to be delivered by?

One very important area of SOW writing that often needs polishing is the “assumptions” arena. Assumptions are expected in a SOW.  But it’s critical to understand that not every program member or enterprise stakeholder realizes assumptions need to be appreciated and understood for the important role they play within the SOW and in the execution of the program.

Assumptions should not be perceived as only one-sided, unless you choose to concede your position of responsibility. 

Assumptions should be leveraged for additional clarity and transparency in all facets of the program.  The Assumptions section in a SOW provides what assumptions both parties agree to in order for the work to be performed.Your first takeaway should be that “both parties agree.”

There are many things that contribute to the number of assumptions.  Consider a program scope that includes expected functionality, technical architecture, timeline, statutory requirements, and more than one party involved in delivering the solution.

Want to learn more? Tonex offers Scope of Work Training Workshop, a 2-day course that provides participants with key concepts, approaches, tools and configuration of the Scope of Work. ​

You will learn best practices, analyze case studies, and recognize the impact your work has on cost, schedule, and quality. You will leave equipped with the ability to write a Scope of work that reflects actual requirements, elicits competitive proposals, and guides contractor performance.​

Additionally, participants practice writing each part of the SOW through a hands-on workshop, as well as examine a Scope of work from a contractor’s perspective. ​

Also, Tonex offers a Scope of Work Writing page and several SOW courses, such as:

Scope Training Workshop (2 days)

SOW Writing Workshop (1 day)

SOW Writing Training (2 days)

For more information, questions, comments, contact us.

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