In project management, we juggle what is referred to as the triple constraint. This refers to the three(3) factors which drive a project:
- Time/Schedule
- Cost/Budget
- Scope/Results
In traditional project management, the scope is decided upon and we use the time and cost in order to achieve that scope. The success of the project is dependent upon how well the work team manages the time and cost.
The scope determines the time and cost.
In the modern world of software development and the high information age, the opposite is to be expected. That is, given a certain budget and schedule, the scope is maximized until both of these resources are exhausted.
The time and cost determine the scope.
This variability of scope is due to the fact that knowledge workers are involved. All professions require some amount of knowledge but for knowledge workers, their productivity is dependent upon the efficient management of knowledge. Knowledge workers include teachers, software developers, engineers, project managers, etc.
The countless distractions and wastes (context shifts, as Cal Newport puts it) that can appear in the life of a knowledge worker makes it hard for us to focus and achieve deep work:
Conclusion
Scope is no longer fixed for modern projects. The idea of scope has evolved in this digital era and we must adapt to this new trend.