Core scope or idea for any product or service. This is the first step for any project and this article was thought of as a separate one after writing the next one about IT projects. The scope is important for whatever be the work. This was written for an IT project but can apply for any task whether designing a bicycle or a software application. Clarity and focus is the primary factor for any venture whether buying a TV or choosing ones career
1. The scope will define what is the end product and its requirements, user profile, pricing and visual appearance amongst others. Pricing will include acquisition cost and others such as maintenance, accessories , consumables . For example a car would include expected selling price, running costs, yearly maintenance, accessories, marketing costs , expected resale value after certain years. These will also influence or be influenced by the expected customer and usage. Sometimes the pricing and time to complete a task is decided to secure orders and not based on actuals and this is not advisable. Studies have shown that low pricing and cheap customers are difficult to service, unreliable and can be unprofitable. Example is the Tata Nano. Though a good car, the target customer is the main reason for the failure and subsequent removal from the market.
The scope will include
- Basic description
- Price
- Function
- Usage
- User profile and Marketing Strategies – Marketing is dependent on the user and the product or service being sold.
- Branding and relationships with strategies
- Resources available including financial and human capital.. Human capital will include technical, marketing, management, quality assurance, support and more.working capital, office or factory space can be owned or leased at a convenient location.