Project Scope, Aims and Objectives
The first step in managing projects is determining the scope of the project. The scope of a project is like looking at a large object from a distance. The view from a distance will help you to see the whole, rather than get caught in details. In project management, determining the scope of a project means identifying the work that needs to be accomplished to deliver the desired service, product or result. The scope of a project is often broad and subject to change. To overcome this, experts recommend including an explanation of why the project is being pursued, the desired outcome of the project, project goals and as much information as you can include about resources, budget and schedule.
The second step you should take in project management is identifying the project aims. The aims of the project answer the question, 'What will this project accomplish?' One way to create project aims is to use the mission and values of the organisation, e.g., 'This project aims to expand our territory in Wales while working to be the number one retailer of organic foods in the United Kingdom, as well as continuing to give back to the community in the areas where we develop our stores'. This aims statement incorporates the organisation's mission to be the number one retailer of organic foods, their value of giving back to the community and their desire to accomplish an expansion into Wales.
The third step in project management is identifying the project objectives. A project's objectives will more precisely define what it is the project is trying to achieve, including how the project will be completed. By creating objectives, you can see the major tasks that will need to be undertaken to complete the project and get an idea of what resources will be necessary. To create a project's objectives, examine the project aims and then think about what will be needed to meet the identified aims.
The scope, aims and objectives of a project will give you a strong foundation for starting a project, and are usually necessary for a project to gain approval from stakeholders and upper management. In this unit, you will complete the first element of the Business Case Presentation for your Final Project by determining the scope, aims and objectives of the project you have been assigned.
To complete this Individual Assignment:
- Review the scenario you have been assigned by your Faculty Member.
- Research the topics in your scenario, on the Internet and in the University of Roehampton library, and add detail and assumptions to the scenario to further define it.
- Identify the project scope, and create aims and objectives for the scenario you were assigned, and include these on a Microsoft PowerPoint slide titled, 'Project Scope, Aims and Objectives'.
The Scenario
Opening a New Hotel
You are part of an exclusive hotel group that has a strong reputation for boutique luxury hotels in the capital city. Having recently disposed of a successful hotel in the capital, the directors wish to reinvest the funds by branching out to another large city within reasonable travelling distance of the capital city. Your team is responsible for the acquisition, refurbishment and opening of the new hotel. You have to acquire a suitable building, plan the capacity, services, décor and branding to launch the new hotel. It need not be an existing hotel, but has to have the potential for between 25 and 40 up-market rooms and suites in an area that assures a high level of occupancy.