Introduction

The difference between the product scope and the project scope is one of the most important topics in the PMP exam. Product scope and project scope seem synonymous to many but aren’t. People find it difficult to distinguish between the two, often. Let’s study how one is different from the other.

What is Product Scope?

The features that describe and characterize a product, or service is its product scope. It essentially is about what a product or service will look, or feel like, how will it function, what will its features be, etc.

Example:

If the product is a bridge, the product scope might be its length, width, load strength, etc.

How is Product scope determined:Defining the product scope is important, before a project is initiated by the organization. A well-defined product scope will yield to a well-defined project scope.

Clear specifications from the client, essentially contribute to a clear product scope. Every effort should be made to make the product scope as accurate as possible. Even the slightest of changes to the product scope, can cost you well. Major issues could be faced in the later stages of the product, if clear specifications are not established in the product scope.

What is Project Scope ?

The work carried out to make and deliver the product or service, with its specified features, is the project scope.

Like the product scope is about the product, the project scope is about the project. It is essential to make a documented project scope, so as to have clear details of who will do what, to execute the project, within its budget and time schedule. So, to put it simply, the project scope includes all there is to ensure that the product scope is achieved.

Example:

If you have been given a project to build a bridge, in this case the project scope will tell you how you are going to build the bridge. It gives you all the required information to construct the bridge

How is project scope determined:

A project scope statement is developed after a well-defined product description is received. Relevant stake holders are contacted to collect requirements, compile them, and get management approval to form the project scope.

Difference between Product Scope and Project Scope

To simplify the difference between the two, let’s elucidate an example.

Say your organization has got a project to build a cruise ship. The client has furnished all his requirements, pertaining to the size of the ship, the amenities it will have, the number of rooms, the size of the helipad, the colour of the ship etc.,You make a budget estimation, create a schedule, and develop a plan.After the plan is approved, you assemble a team and start to execute the plan. Once the construction is complete, the client is asked to verify, if it suits his requirements. If the client is satisfied, the ship is handed over to him, and after the payment is processed, the project is closed.

The client gives you requirements to build a product (in this case, a ship) for him. These requirements form the scope of the product. You work to build the ship, within the scheduled time and budget, while meeting the product requirements. The work that ensued the completion of the constructed ship, is the project scope. So essentially, the product scope encompasses all things that needs to be addressed to create a product and the project scope encompasses all that you do to make that product.

ConclusionA product is what you are expected to deliver to the client, and the product scope is its qualities, like what it looks like, its function and how it works. The product scope refers to all that needs to be addressed in order to create the product, and the project scope includes all the work you will do to make the product.