How do you define the scope and objectives of your aerospace projects?

1 Understand the problem

The first step in defining the scope and objectives of your aerospace projects is to understand the problem that you are trying to solve. This involves identifying the needs and expectations of your customers, users, sponsors, and other stakeholders, as well as the constraints and assumptions that affect your project. You can use various tools and techniques to gather and analyze the problem information, such as interviews, surveys, brainstorming, SWOT analysis, or SMART criteria. The outcome of this step is a clear and concise problem statement that defines the scope and objectives of your project.

2 Define the requirements

The next step in defining the scope and objectives of your aerospace projects is to define the requirements that your project must meet to solve the problem. Requirements are the specifications and criteria that describe the features, functions, performance, quality, safety, and reliability of your project deliverables. You can use different methods to elicit, document, verify, and validate the requirements, such as use cases, scenarios, models, prototypes, or testing. The outcome of this step is a comprehensive and consistent requirements document that defines the scope and objectives of your project.

3 Develop the work breakdown structure

The third step in defining the scope and objectives of your aerospace projects is to develop the work breakdown structure (WBS). The WBS is a hierarchical decomposition of the project scope into manageable and measurable work packages. Each work package represents a deliverable or a task that contributes to the project objectives. You can use various tools and techniques to create and organize the WBS, such as mind maps, flowcharts, tables, or software. The outcome of this step is a detailed and structured WBS that defines the scope and objectives of your project.

4 Establish the scope baseline

The fourth step in defining the scope and objectives of your aerospace projects is to establish the scope baseline. The scope baseline is a set of approved documents that define the scope and objectives of your project and serve as a reference for monitoring and controlling the project. The scope baseline typically includes the problem statement, the requirements document, the WBS, and the scope statement. The scope statement is a document that summarizes the project scope, objectives, deliverables, acceptance criteria, exclusions, assumptions, and constraints. The outcome of this step is a formal and agreed-upon scope baseline that defines the scope and objectives of your project.

5 Manage scope changes

The final step in defining the scope and objectives of your aerospace projects is to manage scope changes. Scope changes are any modifications or additions to the project scope that occur during the project execution. Scope changes can be caused by various factors, such as customer requests, design changes, technical issues, or external events. You can use a scope change management process to handle scope changes effectively and efficiently. This process involves identifying, analyzing, evaluating, approving, and implementing scope changes, as well as communicating them to the project team and stakeholders. The outcome of this step is a controlled and updated scope baseline that defines the scope and objectives of your project.

6 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?