Now that you have documented a business case and undertaken a feasibility study to select your preferred solution, you are ready to define the scope of a project to deliver the solution to your customer. To formally define the scope of a project, you need to document its terms of reference (TOR).
The TOR outlines the purpose of the project, the way it will be structured and how it will be implemented. It describes the project:
• vision, objectives, scope and deliverables (ie what you have to achieve);
• stakeholders, roles and responsibilities (ie who will take part in it);
• resource, financial and quality plans (ie how it will be undertaken).
The TOR may also be referred to as a 'project charter' or 'project definition report'. It is usually presented by senior management in the business to the business sponsor or customer for approval. It is completed after the business case and feasibility study have been approved but before the project team is appointed. The TOR also defines the scope of the project, within which all deliverables are produced. Project activities will only be undertaken outside the defined scope of the project if a valid change request form has been approved.
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