Page 218 - DMGT302_FUNDAMENTALS_OF_PROJECT_MANAGEMENT

Unit 14: Project Management

14.3 Getting Started Notes

The Statement of Work

The statement of work is a written document that clearly explains what the project is. It should
include the following sections:
Purpose. This section should include the purpose and the objectives of the work.

Background: Why was the project initiated and by whom, what happens if it’s not done, and
what else relates to it?
Scope of work: What will you do?–A brief statement describing the major work to be performed.

Defining the Audience

Any of your audiences–the people and groups that have an interest in your project, are affected
by it, or are needed to support it–can sink the entire enterprise if their needs are not considered.
Early on, you should make a list of the project’s audiences, both within your institution and
outside it. Although you can do this in your head, a written list serves as a reminder throughout
the project to touch base with these stakeholders as you proceed. A project can succeed only if
everyone involved does his or her part.

!
Caution People who tell you what to do, defining to some degree what your project will
produce and what constitutes success. As a principle investigator, you are the main driver
for your research. Additional drivers might include competitors and collaborators in
your field, the editors of scientific journals
Divide your audience list into three categories:
Drivers: People who tell you what to do, defining to some degree what your project will produce
and what constitutes success. As a principle investigator, you are the main driver for your
research. Additional drivers might include competitors and collaborators in your field, the
editors of scientific journals (if they are advising you on what experiments should be done in
order to get a manuscript published), and the study section reviewers of the research grants (if
their feedback is shaping the course of your research project). If possible, keep these people
abreast of how the project is going or consult with them before changing direction or branching
out in a different area. For example, if an editor at Nature has requested specific experiments in
a revised manuscript but you decide to do different ones that you think are more appropriate or
easier to do given the expertise in your lab, you can contact the editor to make sure that the
proposed experiments will satisfy his or her requirements.
Supporters: People who will perform the work or make the work possible (e.g., the students and
postdocs in your lab as well as the program director for the organization that is funding the
project). Make sure that these people are motivated to do the work and understand how what
they are doing relates to achieving the overall scientific goal.
Observers: People who have an interest in your project but are neither drivers nor supporters.
They are interested in what you’re doing, but they’re not telling you what to do or how to do it
(e.g., other scientists working in your field, mentors, and potential supporters). It can be helpful
to your career to let as many scientists as possible know what you have accomplished. This can
be done by giving presentations at meetings and conferences, by asking colleagues to review a
manuscript that you are preparing to submit for publication, or by sending scientists in your

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 213