Project Challenge Scoping
To run a problem-solving project successfully, you begin the process with a specific and purposeful situation or problem to solve called Project Challenge. The project should be doable, clear, actionable and inspiring. Your problem statement should be an outcome and not a solution.
You can use SCOPES framework as a tool to brainstorm and frame your project challenge. Here is a brief explanation of Project Challenge Scoping:
Situation: briefly define the challenge that you are trying to solve.
Constraints: list the constraints that you will likely face in solving the problem or implementing the solution.
Objectives: state the objectives (human centred) of the project.
People: what are the key stakeholders of the project? Define the segment of people with the problem you want to solve.
Estimates: clearly show the estimated amount of resources and time required to successfully execute the project/ solve the problem.
Scopes: define the range of possibilities of testing alternative solutions to address the problem.
Project challenge: break down the problem statement into “How might we..?In what ways might we..? What is stopping us from…?” statements.
By Upenyu Machingambi
