Outlining the Solution: The Scope of Work

If the client feels that we are a good fit the project, we're asked to prepare a scope of work.

Fundamentally, a scope of work is the statement about what you will do. Often, the scope of work includes a budget or expected level of effort. The scope of work sets the bounds on what will be included in the project, and importantly what will not be included in the project.

Scopes of work take many shapes, but the best of them have common elements. Your scope of work should almost always include the following:

Project Name

This is often an overlooked opportunity. Create an appealing and useful name that adds weight to the project. For example, “Admissions Database” is fine, but boring. Try changing the name slightly to “Admissions Database for Applicant Management,” or “ADAM.” Now the project has a catchy name, one that makes it seem more human, approachable, and manageable.