Work scope control

Work (project) scope control is the process of monitoring the status of the project and product scope, managing changes to the scope baseline, and making sure that the work done is exactly the work defined in the contract, drawings and specifications, no more and no less.

What scope control involves

• Comparing the work done with the scope baseline (WBS, drawings, specifications, BOQ).
• Identifying scope creep (unapproved additions) and changes requested by the client, designer or contractor.
• Assessing the effect of every change on cost, time and quality.
• Approving or rejecting changes through a formal procedure, and updating the contract, programme and budget.

How scope control can be achieved

1. Define the scope clearly at the start: clear drawings, specifications, BOQ and WBS.
2. Set up a change control system: issue all variations in writing as variation orders, approved by the authorised person before the work starts.
3. Measure progress regularly: site measurements, measurement book entries and progress reports compared with the baseline.
4. Check deliverables against the specifications and accept only completed and approved work.
5. Assess the impact of each change: extra cost, time extension, resources.
6. Communicate changes to all parties and record them (site order book, meeting minutes).
7. Update documents: revise the drawings, schedule and cost estimate, and keep as-built drawings.
8. Take corrective action for any unauthorised work.

Good scope control avoids cost overrun, delay, disputes and claims.