Difference Between Project Scope and Product Scope

1. Product Scope

The product scope defines the features, functionalities, and characteristics of the final product or deliverable that the project is meant to create. It answers the “what” question: What does the product include?

Product Scope: Focuses on what the product will be (the end result)

Features of Product Scope:

  • Focus: On the product itself.
  • Defined By:
    • Functional requirements (e.g., “The website must support online payments”).
    • Non-functional requirements (e.g., “The app must load within 3 seconds”).
    • Features, quality, and performance criteria.
  • Validation: Measured by whether the product meets the specified requirements (e.g., user acceptance testing, feature testing).

Example of Product Scope

For an e-commerce website project:

  • Product Scope Includes:
    • A fully functional website with online payment capability.
    • A product search feature.
    • Integration with an inventory management system.

2. Project Scope

The project scope defines all the work required to deliver the product. It focuses on the “how” question: How will the product be delivered?

Project Scope: Focuses on how the product will be created (the process).

Features of Project Scope:

  • Focus: On the work and processes involved in creating the product.
  • Defined By:
    • Activities, tasks, and deliverables needed to complete the project.
    • Resource allocation, timelines, and constraints.
    • Processes for risk management, quality assurance, and communication.
  • Validation: Measured by whether the project achieves its objectives on time and within budget (e.g., project completion review).

Example of Project Scope

For the e-commerce website project:

  • Project Scope Includes:
    • Designing the website layout.
    • Developing the payment integration.
    • Testing the website functionality.
    • Deploying the website on a server.
    • Training staff to manage the website.

Combined Example of Project Scope & Product Scope