Product Scope Vs Project Scope – A Comparative Study

Product Scope Vs Project Scope

Like some other terms, difference between Product Scope and Project Scope often create confusion among people studying project management. This may be important for people preparing for PMP^® Certification Exam. This confusion is mainly due to loose usage of these terms in the industry. In the industry people often use project scope to denote both project and product scope and therefore when they start preparing for PMP^® Exam, these terms create confusion. If not clearly understood, it may lead to ticking incorrect answer in the PMP Exam.

Since the scope of product and project is quite similar, there is a confusion. However, a solid and better understanding of both concepts will help you achieving your objective more effectively. Let’s understand both these terms and their difference.

Product scope:

The features and characteristics of a particular product or service is defines as product scope. It also defines product capabilities from the user’s perspective. The look and feel of the product, how the product functions, its services and results comes under product scope. For example, if the product is a smartphone then its scope would be its screen size, battery life, performance, camera quality, other specifications and features. Clear specification and requirements gathered from the client will help you to determine clear and accurate product scope.

Project scope:

Project scope includes the work performed in a project to produce its product or service. It basically includes the complete process, right from the initial stage until the product or service gets delivered. In project scope we clearly laydown all the work that is required to be completed. Taking the same example of mobile phone, gather requirements, prepare design, development of various mobile parts and software, testing, deploying, commissioning etc. come under project scope. Not all the projects have all the phases and all activities. Your part in the project may just be development and in that case requirements, design, testing etc. will be out of scope of your project.

Responsibilities:

Usually, the resources who have better understanding of business matters are assigned the task of defining product scope. Generally this role is assumed by a Business Analyst. It is primarily the duty of a business analyst to determine product scope.

Project manager is predominantly is responsible to determine the project scope. To make sure the required service or product is delivered with all functions & features and without any defect, the project manager lists down all the activities to be performed to complete the project.

I hope it will clearly the difference between product scope and project scope. Please remember this is more academic than practical. In practice project scope is often used for both which is okay however if you are preparing for PMP Certification Exam or other similar exam like CAPM, PgMP etc., understanding this difference is important otherwise you may end up ticking wrong answer.