ScopeDim
ScopeDim describes the relevant dimensions for the definition of the field of operation. Any planning requires clearly defined application areas and spheres, i.e., the decision of the scope. Thereby the spatial, timely, and organizational dimensions of the activities and results have to be delimited. Areas beyond are excluded by definition. Complexity and the resulting effort depend on the scope. It's up to everybody to define the dimensions based on their needs. But it is useful to stick to the same classifications to learn from the experiences and improve the estimation on a regular basis.
ScopeDim is based on three dimensions with defined scales for space, time, and stakeholder described in the following.
- Space
Space describes the geographical range between local and global - the bigger the scope, the more complex the efforts for alignment, which result from a distance, distributed time zones, and cultural differences. The effort increases exponentially and can culminate in dividing a project into several independent projects to have a realistic success chance.
- Time
Time describes the timely scope from hour to Ad-Hoc. The longer a project lasts, the more regular communication is needed. Projects that run longer than six months require additional communication effort to maintain the commitment of project members and the momentum of the project. Additionally, the time horizon can be defined as a cycle, e.g., regular, monthly reporting. It should be defined as an appropriate cycle, i.e., not too frequent, to keep the participants' efforts small, but not to scarcely, to keep the participants' interest.
- Stakeholder
Stakeholders are interest groups that take part in an activity, influence it, or are impacted by the results. There are two groups of stakeholders: Micro-stakeholder (internal: e.g., superiors and colleagues, family and friends) and Macro-stakeholder (external: e.g., Customers and suppliers, but also society, competition, or media). The number of stakeholders and the complexity of the balance of power determines the effort. With a complex balance of power, the installation of escalation procedures in the form of decision-committees is recommended.
The sphere of influence influences the actions, as it determines the scope of the measures. Activities should always target specific locations, time periods, and target groups. A solution that takes all eventualities into account would be costly if it were at all possible.