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Scope of work template

Scope of work template

Create a clear and comprehensive project plan with our scope of work template. Define deliverables, plan budgets, and assign responsibilities to keep your project on track.

Use this template
or download pdf
Scope of work template

Create a clear and comprehensive project plan with our scope of work template. Define deliverables, plan budgets, and assign responsibilities to keep your project on track.

Use this template
or download pdf

This scope of work template provides a detailed framework for outlining project deliverables, milestones, responsibilities, and deadlines. It helps your teams clearly define expectations, reducing miscommunication and scope creep. This is crucial because nearly 44% of strategic initiatives fail because of misalignment with organizational strategy, according to the Project Management Institute.

Distinct from specialized industry templates like our construction or electrical scope of work templates, this versatile template is ideal for general business use. It enhances clarity and accountability across various projects and contracts. For more specific needs, you can look through more of our related templates tailored to your specific industry.

Related categories

Preview of the template
Scope of Work Creation Checklist
This sample checklist can be used as a guide when creating a scope of work and monitoring a project's adherence to it.
Project Deliverable/s
Were deliverables defined according to the S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timed) criteria?
Were all deliverables agreed on by both parties?
Was a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) provided to show hierarchy of work?
Were Standards of Acceptance defined?
Project Timeline
Was brainstorming done before finalizing the project timeline?
Were milestones agreed on by both parties?
Were holidays considered in the timeline?
Have visualizations (e.g. Gantt chart, roadmap, board) been provided for easy reference?
Responsibility Assignment
Did the responsible persons agree to the deliverables/tasks they were assigned to?
Was a Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) provided to visualize assignments?
Has a progress reporting process clearly identified for the responsible persons?
Project Costs
Was the client consulted on their budget ceiling for the project?
Was a cost-benefit analysis done before allotting budget?
Were cost estimates calculated with accuracy and precison?
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Frequently asked questions

How can I prevent scope creep in my project?

To prevent scope creep, clearly define and document project requirements and boundaries in your scope of work. Establish formal change management procedures and communicate consistently with stakeholders. Regularly review progress and expectations, addressing potential changes immediately rather than allowing them to accumulate.

How detailed does a scope of work need to be?

The scope of work should be detailed enough so there’s no ambiguity about tasks, deliverables, roles, or expectations. Include specifics on task breakdowns, measurable outcomes, and clear timelines. However, keep the document concise enough to remain practical and easily understandable for all stakeholders involved.

What are common mistakes made when creating a scope of work?

Common mistakes include vague descriptions, insufficient detail, not specifying responsibilities clearly, unrealistic timelines, and omitting acceptance criteria or change procedures. These errors often result in confusion, missed deadlines, disputes, or unexpected costs, undermining the project’s success and efficiency.

What is the difference between scope of work and statement of work?

A scope of work focuses specifically on outlining tasks, deliverables, and timelines. A statement of work, however, typically includes broader context, including project background, objectives, payment terms, and contractual obligations. While scope defines boundaries, a statement provides comprehensive details for overall project execution.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.