Last updated on Jul 9, 2024

Team members are fighting over project scope control. How will you steer the ship in business analysis?

When you're navigating the choppy waters of project scope control, it's not uncommon for team members to clash. Business analysis is crucial in these situations, as it helps to clarify objectives, align expectations, and ensure that all stakeholders understand the project's boundaries. By employing business analysis techniques, you can steer your team away from conflict and towards a shared vision for project success.

1 Assess Issues

Begin by conducting a thorough assessment of the issues at hand. This means gathering input from all team members to understand their concerns and perspectives regarding the project's scope. Use active listening and empathy to ensure that everyone feels heard and valued. This process can help to identify the root causes of the disagreement and provide a foundation for resolving the conflict.

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2 Clarify Objectives

Once you've identified the issues, work on clarifying the project objectives with your team. This involves revisiting the project's goals and ensuring they are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. By clearly defining what success looks like, you can help team members see beyond their individual concerns and focus on the collective outcome.

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3 Engage Stakeholders

Engaging stakeholders is a critical step in managing scope control issues. Ensure that key stakeholders are involved in discussions about the project scope. Their input can provide valuable insights and help to mediate conflicts between team members. Remember, stakeholders can include anyone with an interest in the project's outcome, from clients to upper management.

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4 Define Boundaries

Defining clear boundaries is essential for maintaining control over the project scope. This means setting limits on what is included in the project and what is not. Use tools like a scope statement or a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to outline these boundaries in detail. This clarity helps prevent scope creep and keeps the team focused on the agreed-upon deliverables.

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5 Implement Controls

To prevent further disputes, implement controls that manage changes to the project scope. These can include change management processes, where any alterations to the scope must be documented, reviewed, and approved before being implemented. By having a formal process in place, you can ensure that scope changes are handled systematically and with buy-in from all team members.

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6 Facilitate Collaboration

Finally, facilitate collaboration among team members to foster a cooperative environment. Encourage open communication and the sharing of ideas. Use collaborative tools and techniques such as brainstorming sessions or joint problem-solving workshops to build team cohesion. When team members work together effectively, they are more likely to find mutually acceptable solutions to scope control issues.

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Donna Andrle

Regional Operations Director | Analytical Insight, Strong Relationships
Building a good foundation of trust for your team is crucial to success. Gaining confidence from those involved individually and then between co-workers is a necessity. Fostering and permitting those working on the project to have a “safe space” for speaking without fear of criticism or retribution will allow team members to speak freely. When people feel that their voice matters it opens a whole new level of collaboration.
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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Muhammad Rooshan Minhas

Assistant Manager International Sales
First, listen to everyone's concerns to understand their perspectives fully. Then, clarify the project's goals and scope with all stakeholders to ensure everyone is on the same page. Facilitate discussions to find common ground and negotiate compromises if needed. Document decisions clearly and update the scope management plan accordingly to avoid future misunderstandings. Finally, continuously monitor scope changes and communicate effectively to maintain alignment among team members and stakeholders throughout the project.
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Team members are fighting over project scope control. How will you steer the ship in business analysis?

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2

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1 Assess Issues

2 Clarify Objectives

3 Engage Stakeholders

4 Define Boundaries

5 Implement Controls

6 Facilitate Collaboration

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Analysis

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Team members are fighting over project scope control. How will you steer the ship in business analysis?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Issues

2 Clarify Objectives

3 Engage Stakeholders

4 Define Boundaries

5 Implement Controls

6 Facilitate Collaboration

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Analysis

Rate this article

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