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How to Write a Scope of Work (Examples & Templates Included)

What Is a Scope of Work?

A scope of work document is an agreement on the work you’re going to perform on the project. The scope of work in project management  includes deliverables, a timeline, milestones and reports. Let’s look closer at each of these elements below.

What Should Be Included in a Scope of Work Document?

Below is an overview of the main components of a scope of work. You can add or remove some of these elements to better adjust to your project stakeholders’ requirements.

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Scope Of Work Template

Use this free Scope Of Work Template for Word to manage your projects better.

Project Deliverables

This is what your project delivers. Whether it’s a product or a service, it’s the reason you’re executing the project for your customer, stakeholder or sponsor. Whatever that deliverable is, and it can be some sort of document or report, software, product, build (or all of the above), you need to clearly identify each item here. Creating a work breakdown structure can help with this step. Also, make sure there’s an acceptance criterion for the project deliverables, such as quality standards or functional requirements.

Project Timeline

Think of a timeline as a road leading from the start of a project to its end. It’s a section of the document that delineates the major phases across the schedule of the project’s duration. It should also mark the points in the project when your deliverables are ready. As you can guess, it’s essential to scope out the overall plan of any project. This is best presented visually, like a rolled-up Gantt chart plan, so the stakeholders can see the high-level timeline.

Project Milestones

Projects can be long and complex, which is why they’re laid out over a timeline and broken down into more manageable parts called tasks. Larger phases of the project are marked by what’s called a milestone . It’s a way to help you monitor the progress of the project to ensure it’s adhering to your planned schedule. Define your key milestones on a timeline in the scope of work document, including project kickoffs, meetings, hand-offs, etc.

Project Reports

You’ll be generating reports throughout the project, delivered to either your team or customer, stakeholder or sponsor. These can include status reports , progress reports, variance reports and more. They’re a formal record of the progress of your project, but they’re also a means of communication beyond whether the project’s on schedule or not.

Depending on how you customize reports , there’s a wealth of data that can serve a number of different audiences. Define how you’ll be reporting on the project and when the stakeholders can be expecting them and from whom.

Scope of Work Template

Now that you know what’s included in this all important document, download our free scope of work template for Word . It has everything you need to make a scope of work document for your own project, so your stakeholders know exactly what to expect in terms of schedule, deliverables and effort.

How to Write a Scope of Work

Now that we’ve listed the elements of a scope of work document, let’s go through the step-by-step process of writing one. These steps can help you create a scope of work for different industries such as construction or manufacturing.

• Define the project goals: Before writing a scope of work, you should define what project goals will be accomplished through the execution of the project tasks that’ll be included in your scope of work.
• Use a work breakdown structure to identify project tasks: The first step when writing a scope of work is to identify all your project tasks. This is done by using a work breakdown structure (WBS), a project management tool that lets you break down projects and work packages into individual tasks, so you can better plan and schedule them.
• Determine your project deliverables: A project deliverable is a tangible or intangible output from tasks. They’re an important part of a scope of work as they’re the outcomes of the project.
• Establish acceptance criteria for your project deliverables: Project deliverables must meet the acceptance criteria established by the project client, such as quality standards or functionality requirements.
• Use the CPM method to create a project timeline: The critical path method is a project scheduling technique that allows project managers to create a project timeline and estimate project duration by identifying the longest sequence of tasks. It’s important that you use this or other project scheduling techniques to create a realistic schedule for your scope of work.
• Establish payment terms for the project: You may include payment terms as a section of your scope of work.
• Establish project reporting procedures: Communication between the project team and project stakeholders is very important, so your scope of work document should include a section that explains how reporting will take place.

Scope of Work Example

To understand the purpose and importance of a scope of work in project management, let’s start with a simple scope of work example, planning a wedding. A wedding is a project, and depending on the bridezilla (or groomzilla), it could be bigger and more complicated than building a highway or an airport.

Let’s take one aspect of that larger project, the wedding invitations, and break this down into a scope of work. We’ll outline the deliverables, timeline, milestones and reports in this scope of work example.

Deliverables

• Invite list
• Addresses of attendees
• Addressed envelopes
• Jan. 1: Decide on the invite list
• Feb. 1: Have addresses collected of attendees
• March 1: Pick invitation style and have printed
• April 1: Address and mail invites
• May 1: Get the final count of guests
• June 1: Wedding
• Selection of guests and collection of addresses
• Mailing of invitations
• The final count of attendees
• Check on the status of address collection
• Stay in touch with the printer for progress on invitations
• Check RSVPs against the invitation list

With ProjectManager , you can build a project timeline in seconds with our online Gantt chart maker. Map your scope of work, create a budget, assign tasks, add dependencies and more. Then present to your team and stakeholders to get the project moving on the right foot. Try it free today.

Construction Scope of Work Example

Now, let’s create a scope of work for a small construction project , building a house. This project involves many steps, but for practical purposes, this construction scope of work example will only focus on some of the main deliverables, timelines, milestones and reports.

Project deliverables: These project deliverables are individual, tangible outputs from different construction activities.

• Land clearing
• Ground leveling
• Sewer Lines
• Wood Framing
• Sheathing Installation
• HVAC system installation
• Electrical panels and wiring installation
• Roof installation
• Insulation installation
• Drywall installation
• Interior painting, appliances, cabinets and other final details

Project Timeline: The scope of work timeline depends on the complexity of the construction design and the agreement that the project owner reaches with the general contractor, who will hire subcontractors to accomplish different types of construction work.

Project Milestones: The scope of work milestones marks important achievements during the project as tasks are executed . Instead of referring to individual project deliverables, they describe project phases that have been completed successfully. As a project manager, you might choose the milestones that are significant for your project.

• The building envelope has been completed
• Foundation, framing, plumbing and electrical inspections have been passed
• Exterior work has been completed
• Interior work has been completed
• Project has been delivered successfully

Project Reports: The reports that you use to track the scope of work might vary, but these are essential construction project reports.

• Project status reports
• Daily construction logs
• Construction punch list

Why Is It Important to Write a Scope of Work?

Here are some of the reasons why writing a scope of work is beneficial for projects.

Defines the Project Scope

The main purpose of a scope of work is to define the scope of a project . This means defining the work that’ll be done as well as project exclusions, activities or deliverables which aren’t part of a project.

Prevents Scope Creep

Scope creep is a risk that can affect any project. It occurs when additional project tasks are added to the initial project scope during the execution of a project. These unplanned additions of work cause extra costs and derail the project schedule. Scope creep can be avoided by having a clear scope of work that establishes what will and what won’t be executed. However, changes might be made to the project scope by using a change request, another important project management document.

Sets Clear Expectations for Project Stakeholders

Without a scope of work document, project stakeholders might have unrealistic expectations about a project , such as assuming certain tasks and deliverables will be done. Therefore, it’s important for project managers and project teams to make sure there’s a scope of work that lets stakeholders know what to expect.

Scope of Work Tips

But before you get to writing, you need to make sure you follow these tips.

• Be specific : explain the terms used clearly
• Use visuals : a picture is worth a thousand words
• Get sign-offs : make sure everyone who needs to okay the work, does

It’s not that difficult, but it needs to be thorough because you don’t want to have to play catch-up with paperwork when you’re in the heat of the project.

Pro tip: The SOW is essential to the project plan and is often included as part of the overall project plan, but it can be time-consuming to write. We’ve created dozens of project management templates to help you create all your project documents. 

How to Manage Your Scope of Work With Project Management Software

It can feel overwhelming with so many tasks to keep track of, but project management software can simplify the process. In ProjectManager , you can import your spreadsheet or use one of our industry-specific templates to get you started.

A list of tasks is only a start. To bring order to that chaos, you’ll want to estimate duration by adding start and finish dates. We then automatically put your tasks on a timeline in our Gantt chart project view , so you can see the whole project in one place. Further reign in the tasks by prioritizing them, linking dependencies to prevent bottlenecks later in the project and setting milestones to break up the larger project into more manageable phases.

Collaborate at the Task Level

Tasks need people to execute them and move your project forward. You have your schedule, so onboard your team and start assigning them tasks. You can do this from any of our multiple project views. We offer collaborative tools that make teams more productive and help them work together. You can direct them with task descriptions and by attaching files to the task. Then, they can work together, commenting at the task level with other team members, who are notified by email. This is great for remote teams and even those working in the same room.

Track Progress to Stay On Time and Under Budget

Speaking of distributed teams, how can you keep track of their progress if you can’t check in on them? We solve that problem with great monitoring features, such as a real-time dashboard that shows you task progress, costs and other high-level views of the project. Our software takes status updates and automatically displays them in easy-to-read charts and graphs. You can even share them at stakeholder meetings to keep them in the loop.

For more in-depth data, we feature one-click reports that can be filtered to show just the data you’re looking for. Reports track project variance, workload and more. You’ll catch issues and resolve them quickly before they become problems that threaten to derail your project.

If you want that scope of work to be the beginning of a beautiful project, then try ProjectManager for free with our 30-day trial offer.

Video: Scope of Work Best Practices

In this video, Jennifer Bridges, PMP, shows you how to write a scope of work for project management . Follow her steps to get started or use our project plan and scope document template!

Here’s a shot of the whiteboard for your reference!

If you need a tool that can help you manage and track your scope of work document, then sign up for our software now at ProjectManager .

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Scope and Delimitations – Explained & Example

• By DiscoverPhDs
• October 2, 2020

What Is Scope and Delimitation in Research?

The scope and delimitations of a thesis, dissertation or research paper define the topic and boundaries of the research problem to be investigated.

The scope details how in-depth your study is to explore the research question and the parameters in which it will operate in relation to the population and timeframe.

The delimitations of a study are the factors and variables not to be included in the investigation. In other words, they are the boundaries the researcher sets in terms of study duration, population size and type of participants, etc.

Difference Between Delimitations and Limitations

Delimitations refer to the boundaries of the research study, based on the researcher’s decision of what to include and what to exclude. They narrow your study to make it more manageable and relevant to what you are trying to prove.

Limitations relate to the validity and reliability of the study. They are characteristics of the research design or methodology that are out of your control but influence your research findings. Because of this, they determine the internal and external validity of your study and are considered potential weaknesses.

In other words, limitations are what the researcher cannot do (elements outside of their control) and delimitations are what the researcher will not do (elements outside of the boundaries they have set). Both are important because they help to put the research findings into context, and although they explain how the study is limited, they increase the credibility and validity of a research project.

Guidelines on How to Write a Scope

A good scope statement will answer the following six questions:

• Why – the general aims and objectives (purpose) of the research.
• What – the subject to be investigated, and the included variables.
• Where – the location or setting of the study, i.e. where the data will be gathered and to which entity the data will belong.
• When – the timeframe within which the data is to be collected.
• Who – the subject matter of the study and the population from which they will be selected. This population needs to be large enough to be able to make generalisations.
• How – how the research is to be conducted, including a description of the research design (e.g. whether it is experimental research, qualitative research or a case study), methodology, research tools and analysis techniques.

To make things as clear as possible, you should also state why specific variables were omitted from the research scope, and whether this was because it was a delimitation or a limitation. You should also explain why they could not be overcome with standard research methods backed up by scientific evidence.

How to Start Writing Your Study Scope

Use the below prompts as an effective way to start writing your scope:

• This study is to focus on…
• This study covers the…
• This study aims to…

Guidelines on How to Write Delimitations

Since the delimitation parameters are within the researcher’s control, readers need to know why they were set, what alternative options were available, and why these alternatives were rejected. For example, if you are collecting data that can be derived from three different but similar experiments, the reader needs to understand how and why you decided to select the one you have.

Your reasons should always be linked back to your research question, as all delimitations should result from trying to make your study more relevant to your scope. Therefore, the scope and delimitations are usually considered together when writing a paper.

How to Start Writing Your Study Delimitations

Use the below prompts as an effective way to start writing your study delimitations:

• This study does not cover…
• This study is limited to…
• The following has been excluded from this study…

Examples of Delimitation in Research

Examples of delimitations include:

• research objectives,
• research questions,
• research variables,
• target populations,
• statistical analysis techniques .

Examples of Limitations in Research

Examples of limitations include:

• Issues with sample and selection,
• Insufficient sample size, population traits or specific participants for statistical significance,
• Lack of previous research studies on the topic which has allowed for further analysis,
• Limitations in the technology/instruments used to collect your data,
• Limited financial resources and/or funding constraints.

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Academic Research in Education: Scope of Research

• How to Find Books, Articles and eBooks
• Books, eBooks, & Multimedia
• Evaluating Information
• Deciding on a Topic
• Creating a Thesis Statement
• The Literature Review
• Scope of Research

Defining the Scope of your Project

What is scope.

• Choosing a Design
• Citing Sources & Avoiding Plagiarism
• Contact Library

Post-Grad Collective [PGC]. (2017, February 13). Thesis Writing-Narrow the Scope   [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlCO5yRB9No&feature=youtu.be

Learn to cite a YouTube Video! 

The scope of your project sets clear parameters for your research. 

A scope statement will give basic information about the depth and breadth of the project. It tells your reader exactly what you want to find out , how you will conduct your study, the reports and deliverables  that will be part of the outcome of the study, and the responsibilities of the researchers involved in the study. The extent of the scope will be a part of acknowledging any biases in the research project. 

Defining the scope of a project: 

• focuses your research goals
• clarifies the expectations for your research project
•  helps you determine potential biases in your research methodology by acknowledging the limits of your research study 
• identifies the limitations of your research 
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Home » Thesis – Structure, Example and Writing Guide

Thesis – Structure, Example and Writing Guide

Table of contents.

Definition:

Thesis is a scholarly document that presents a student’s original research and findings on a particular topic or question. It is usually written as a requirement for a graduate degree program and is intended to demonstrate the student’s mastery of the subject matter and their ability to conduct independent research.

History of Thesis

The concept of a thesis can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was used as a way for students to demonstrate their knowledge of a particular subject. However, the modern form of the thesis as a scholarly document used to earn a degree is a relatively recent development.

The origin of the modern thesis can be traced back to medieval universities in Europe. During this time, students were required to present a “disputation” in which they would defend a particular thesis in front of their peers and faculty members. These disputations served as a way to demonstrate the student’s mastery of the subject matter and were often the final requirement for earning a degree.

In the 17th century, the concept of the thesis was formalized further with the creation of the modern research university. Students were now required to complete a research project and present their findings in a written document, which would serve as the basis for their degree.

The modern thesis as we know it today has evolved over time, with different disciplines and institutions adopting their own standards and formats. However, the basic elements of a thesis – original research, a clear research question, a thorough review of the literature, and a well-argued conclusion – remain the same.

Structure of Thesis

The structure of a thesis may vary slightly depending on the specific requirements of the institution, department, or field of study, but generally, it follows a specific format.

Here’s a breakdown of the structure of a thesis:

This is the first page of the thesis that includes the title of the thesis, the name of the author, the name of the institution, the department, the date, and any other relevant information required by the institution.

This is a brief summary of the thesis that provides an overview of the research question, methodology, findings, and conclusions.

This page provides a list of all the chapters and sections in the thesis and their page numbers.

Introduction

This chapter provides an overview of the research question, the context of the research, and the purpose of the study. The introduction should also outline the methodology and the scope of the research.

Literature Review

This chapter provides a critical analysis of the relevant literature on the research topic. It should demonstrate the gap in the existing knowledge and justify the need for the research.

Methodology

This chapter provides a detailed description of the research methods used to gather and analyze data. It should explain the research design, the sampling method, data collection techniques, and data analysis procedures.

This chapter presents the findings of the research. It should include tables, graphs, and charts to illustrate the results.

This chapter interprets the results and relates them to the research question. It should explain the significance of the findings and their implications for the research topic.

This chapter summarizes the key findings and the main conclusions of the research. It should also provide recommendations for future research.

This section provides a list of all the sources cited in the thesis. The citation style may vary depending on the requirements of the institution or the field of study.

This section includes any additional material that supports the research, such as raw data, survey questionnaires, or other relevant documents.

How to write Thesis

Here are some steps to help you write a thesis:

• Choose a Topic: The first step in writing a thesis is to choose a topic that interests you and is relevant to your field of study. You should also consider the scope of the topic and the availability of resources for research.
• Develop a Research Question: Once you have chosen a topic, you need to develop a research question that you will answer in your thesis. The research question should be specific, clear, and feasible.
• Conduct a Literature Review: Before you start your research, you need to conduct a literature review to identify the existing knowledge and gaps in the field. This will help you refine your research question and develop a research methodology.
• Develop a Research Methodology: Once you have refined your research question, you need to develop a research methodology that includes the research design, data collection methods, and data analysis procedures.
• Collect and Analyze Data: After developing your research methodology, you need to collect and analyze data. This may involve conducting surveys, interviews, experiments, or analyzing existing data.
• Write the Thesis: Once you have analyzed the data, you need to write the thesis. The thesis should follow a specific structure that includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion, and references.
• Edit and Proofread: After completing the thesis, you need to edit and proofread it carefully. You should also have someone else review it to ensure that it is clear, concise, and free of errors.
• Submit the Thesis: Finally, you need to submit the thesis to your academic advisor or committee for review and evaluation.

Example of Thesis

Example of Thesis template for Students:

Title of Thesis

Table of Contents:

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Literature Review

Chapter 3: Research Methodology

Chapter 4: Results

Chapter 5: Discussion

Chapter 6: Conclusion

References:

Appendices:

Note: That’s just a basic template, but it should give you an idea of the structure and content that a typical thesis might include. Be sure to consult with your department or supervisor for any specific formatting requirements they may have. Good luck with your thesis!

Application of Thesis

Thesis is an important academic document that serves several purposes. Here are some of the applications of thesis:

• Academic Requirement: A thesis is a requirement for many academic programs, especially at the graduate level. It is an essential component of the evaluation process and demonstrates the student’s ability to conduct original research and contribute to the knowledge in their field.
• Career Advancement: A thesis can also help in career advancement. Employers often value candidates who have completed a thesis as it demonstrates their research skills, critical thinking abilities, and their dedication to their field of study.
• Publication : A thesis can serve as a basis for future publications in academic journals, books, or conference proceedings. It provides the researcher with an opportunity to present their research to a wider audience and contribute to the body of knowledge in their field.
• Personal Development: Writing a thesis is a challenging task that requires time, dedication, and perseverance. It provides the student with an opportunity to develop critical thinking, research, and writing skills that are essential for their personal and professional development.
• Impact on Society: The findings of a thesis can have an impact on society by addressing important issues, providing insights into complex problems, and contributing to the development of policies and practices.

Purpose of Thesis

The purpose of a thesis is to present original research findings in a clear and organized manner. It is a formal document that demonstrates a student’s ability to conduct independent research and contribute to the knowledge in their field of study. The primary purposes of a thesis are:

• To Contribute to Knowledge: The main purpose of a thesis is to contribute to the knowledge in a particular field of study. By conducting original research and presenting their findings, the student adds new insights and perspectives to the existing body of knowledge.
• To Demonstrate Research Skills: A thesis is an opportunity for the student to demonstrate their research skills. This includes the ability to formulate a research question, design a research methodology, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions based on their findings.
• To Develop Critical Thinking: Writing a thesis requires critical thinking and analysis. The student must evaluate existing literature and identify gaps in the field, as well as develop and defend their own ideas.
• To Provide Evidence of Competence : A thesis provides evidence of the student’s competence in their field of study. It demonstrates their ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems, and their ability to communicate their ideas effectively.
• To Facilitate Career Advancement : Completing a thesis can help the student advance their career by demonstrating their research skills and dedication to their field of study. It can also provide a basis for future publications, presentations, or research projects.

When to Write Thesis

The timing for writing a thesis depends on the specific requirements of the academic program or institution. In most cases, the opportunity to write a thesis is typically offered at the graduate level, but there may be exceptions.

Generally, students should plan to write their thesis during the final year of their graduate program. This allows sufficient time for conducting research, analyzing data, and writing the thesis. It is important to start planning the thesis early and to identify a research topic and research advisor as soon as possible.

In some cases, students may be able to write a thesis as part of an undergraduate program or as an independent research project outside of an academic program. In such cases, it is important to consult with faculty advisors or mentors to ensure that the research is appropriately designed and executed.

It is important to note that the process of writing a thesis can be time-consuming and requires a significant amount of effort and dedication. It is important to plan accordingly and to allocate sufficient time for conducting research, analyzing data, and writing the thesis.

Characteristics of Thesis

The characteristics of a thesis vary depending on the specific academic program or institution. However, some general characteristics of a thesis include:

• Originality : A thesis should present original research findings or insights. It should demonstrate the student’s ability to conduct independent research and contribute to the knowledge in their field of study.
• Clarity : A thesis should be clear and concise. It should present the research question, methodology, findings, and conclusions in a logical and organized manner. It should also be well-written, with proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Research-Based: A thesis should be based on rigorous research, which involves collecting and analyzing data from various sources. The research should be well-designed, with appropriate research methods and techniques.
• Evidence-Based : A thesis should be based on evidence, which means that all claims made in the thesis should be supported by data or literature. The evidence should be properly cited using appropriate citation styles.
• Critical Thinking: A thesis should demonstrate the student’s ability to critically analyze and evaluate information. It should present the student’s own ideas and arguments, and engage with existing literature in the field.
• Academic Style : A thesis should adhere to the conventions of academic writing. It should be well-structured, with clear headings and subheadings, and should use appropriate academic language.

Advantages of Thesis

There are several advantages to writing a thesis, including:

• Development of Research Skills: Writing a thesis requires extensive research and analytical skills. It helps to develop the student’s research skills, including the ability to formulate research questions, design and execute research methodologies, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions based on their findings.
• Contribution to Knowledge: Writing a thesis provides an opportunity for the student to contribute to the knowledge in their field of study. By conducting original research, they can add new insights and perspectives to the existing body of knowledge.
• Preparation for Future Research: Completing a thesis prepares the student for future research projects. It provides them with the necessary skills to design and execute research methodologies, analyze data, and draw conclusions based on their findings.
• Career Advancement: Writing a thesis can help to advance the student’s career. It demonstrates their research skills and dedication to their field of study, and provides a basis for future publications, presentations, or research projects.
• Personal Growth: Completing a thesis can be a challenging and rewarding experience. It requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance. It can help the student to develop self-confidence, independence, and a sense of accomplishment.

Limitations of Thesis

There are also some limitations to writing a thesis, including:

• Time and Resources: Writing a thesis requires a significant amount of time and resources. It can be a time-consuming and expensive process, as it may involve conducting original research, analyzing data, and producing a lengthy document.
• Narrow Focus: A thesis is typically focused on a specific research question or topic, which may limit the student’s exposure to other areas within their field of study.
• Limited Audience: A thesis is usually only read by a small number of people, such as the student’s thesis advisor and committee members. This limits the potential impact of the research findings.
• Lack of Real-World Application : Some thesis topics may be highly theoretical or academic in nature, which may limit their practical application in the real world.
• Pressure and Stress : Writing a thesis can be a stressful and pressure-filled experience, as it may involve meeting strict deadlines, conducting original research, and producing a high-quality document.
• Potential for Isolation: Writing a thesis can be a solitary experience, as the student may spend a significant amount of time working independently on their research and writing.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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Dissertation Structure & Layout 101: How to structure your dissertation, thesis or research project.

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) Reviewed By: David Phair (PhD) | July 2019

So, you’ve got a decent understanding of what a dissertation is , you’ve chosen your topic and hopefully you’ve received approval for your research proposal . Awesome! Now its time to start the actual dissertation or thesis writing journey.

To craft a high-quality document, the very first thing you need to understand is dissertation structure . In this post, we’ll walk you through the generic dissertation structure and layout, step by step. We’ll start with the big picture, and then zoom into each chapter to briefly discuss the core contents. If you’re just starting out on your research journey, you should start with this post, which covers the big-picture process of how to write a dissertation or thesis .

*The Caveat *

In this post, we’ll be discussing a traditional dissertation/thesis structure and layout, which is generally used for social science research across universities, whether in the US, UK, Europe or Australia. However, some universities may have small variations on this structure (extra chapters, merged chapters, slightly different ordering, etc).

So, always check with your university if they have a prescribed structure or layout that they expect you to work with. If not, it’s safe to assume the structure we’ll discuss here is suitable. And even if they do have a prescribed structure, you’ll still get value from this post as we’ll explain the core contents of each section.  

Overview: S tructuring a dissertation or thesis

• Acknowledgements page
• Abstract (or executive summary)
• Table of contents , list of figures and tables
• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2: Literature review
• Chapter 3: Methodology
• Chapter 4: Results
• Chapter 5: Discussion
• Chapter 6: Conclusion
• Reference list

As I mentioned, some universities will have slight variations on this structure. For example, they want an additional “personal reflection chapter”, or they might prefer the results and discussion chapter to be merged into one. Regardless, the overarching flow will always be the same, as this flow reflects the research process , which we discussed here – i.e.:

• The introduction chapter presents the core research question and aims .
• The literature review chapter assesses what the current research says about this question.
• The methodology, results and discussion chapters go about undertaking new research about this question.
• The conclusion chapter (attempts to) answer the core research question .

In other words, the dissertation structure and layout reflect the research process of asking a well-defined question(s), investigating, and then answering the question – see below.

To restate that – the structure and layout of a dissertation reflect the flow of the overall research process . This is essential to understand, as each chapter will make a lot more sense if you “get” this concept. If you’re not familiar with the research process, read this post before going further.

Right. Now that we’ve covered the big picture, let’s dive a little deeper into the details of each section and chapter. Oh and by the way, you can also grab our free dissertation/thesis template here to help speed things up.

The title page of your dissertation is the very first impression the marker will get of your work, so it pays to invest some time thinking about your title. But what makes for a good title? A strong title needs to be 3 things:

• Succinct (not overly lengthy or verbose)
• Specific (not vague or ambiguous)
• Representative of the research you’re undertaking (clearly linked to your research questions)

Typically, a good title includes mention of the following:

• The broader area of the research (i.e. the overarching topic)
• The specific focus of your research (i.e. your specific context)
• Indication of research design (e.g. quantitative , qualitative , or  mixed methods ).

For example:

A quantitative investigation [research design] into the antecedents of organisational trust [broader area] in the UK retail forex trading market [specific context/area of focus].

Again, some universities may have specific requirements regarding the format and structure of the title, so it’s worth double-checking expectations with your institution (if there’s no mention in the brief or study material).

Acknowledgements

This page provides you with an opportunity to say thank you to those who helped you along your research journey. Generally, it’s optional (and won’t count towards your marks), but it is academic best practice to include this.

So, who do you say thanks to? Well, there’s no prescribed requirements, but it’s common to mention the following people:

• Your dissertation supervisor or committee.
• Any professors, lecturers or academics that helped you understand the topic or methodologies.
• Any tutors, mentors or advisors.
• Your family and friends, especially spouse (for adult learners studying part-time).

There’s no need for lengthy rambling. Just state who you’re thankful to and for what (e.g. thank you to my supervisor, John Doe, for his endless patience and attentiveness) – be sincere. In terms of length, you should keep this to a page or less.

Abstract or executive summary

The dissertation abstract (or executive summary for some degrees) serves to provide the first-time reader (and marker or moderator) with a big-picture view of your research project. It should give them an understanding of the key insights and findings from the research, without them needing to read the rest of the report – in other words, it should be able to stand alone .

For it to stand alone, your abstract should cover the following key points (at a minimum):

• Your research questions and aims – what key question(s) did your research aim to answer?
• Your methodology – how did you go about investigating the topic and finding answers to your research question(s)?
• Your findings – following your own research, what did do you discover?
• Your conclusions – based on your findings, what conclusions did you draw? What answers did you find to your research question(s)?

So, in much the same way the dissertation structure mimics the research process, your abstract or executive summary should reflect the research process, from the initial stage of asking the original question to the final stage of answering that question.

In practical terms, it’s a good idea to write this section up last , once all your core chapters are complete. Otherwise, you’ll end up writing and rewriting this section multiple times (just wasting time). For a step by step guide on how to write a strong executive summary, check out this post .

Need a helping hand?

Table of contents

This section is straightforward. You’ll typically present your table of contents (TOC) first, followed by the two lists – figures and tables. I recommend that you use Microsoft Word’s automatic table of contents generator to generate your TOC. If you’re not familiar with this functionality, the video below explains it simply:

If you find that your table of contents is overly lengthy, consider removing one level of depth. Oftentimes, this can be done without detracting from the usefulness of the TOC.

Right, now that the “admin” sections are out of the way, its time to move on to your core chapters. These chapters are the heart of your dissertation and are where you’ll earn the marks. The first chapter is the introduction chapter – as you would expect, this is the time to introduce your research…

It’s important to understand that even though you’ve provided an overview of your research in your abstract, your introduction needs to be written as if the reader has not read that (remember, the abstract is essentially a standalone document). So, your introduction chapter needs to start from the very beginning, and should address the following questions:

• What will you be investigating (in plain-language, big picture-level)?
• Why is that worth investigating? How is it important to academia or business? How is it sufficiently original?
• What are your research aims and research question(s)? Note that the research questions can sometimes be presented at the end of the literature review (next chapter).
• What is the scope of your study? In other words, what will and won’t you cover ?
• How will you approach your research? In other words, what methodology will you adopt?
• How will you structure your dissertation? What are the core chapters and what will you do in each of them?

These are just the bare basic requirements for your intro chapter. Some universities will want additional bells and whistles in the intro chapter, so be sure to carefully read your brief or consult your research supervisor.

If done right, your introduction chapter will set a clear direction for the rest of your dissertation. Specifically, it will make it clear to the reader (and marker) exactly what you’ll be investigating, why that’s important, and how you’ll be going about the investigation. Conversely, if your introduction chapter leaves a first-time reader wondering what exactly you’ll be researching, you’ve still got some work to do.

Now that you’ve set a clear direction with your introduction chapter, the next step is the literature review . In this section, you will analyse the existing research (typically academic journal articles and high-quality industry publications), with a view to understanding the following questions:

• What does the literature currently say about the topic you’re investigating?
• Is the literature lacking or well established? Is it divided or in disagreement?
• How does your research fit into the bigger picture?
• How does your research contribute something original?
• How does the methodology of previous studies help you develop your own?

Depending on the nature of your study, you may also present a conceptual framework towards the end of your literature review, which you will then test in your actual research.

Again, some universities will want you to focus on some of these areas more than others, some will have additional or fewer requirements, and so on. Therefore, as always, its important to review your brief and/or discuss with your supervisor, so that you know exactly what’s expected of your literature review chapter.

Now that you’ve investigated the current state of knowledge in your literature review chapter and are familiar with the existing key theories, models and frameworks, its time to design your own research. Enter the methodology chapter – the most “science-ey” of the chapters…

In this chapter, you need to address two critical questions:

• Exactly HOW will you carry out your research (i.e. what is your intended research design)?
• Exactly WHY have you chosen to do things this way (i.e. how do you justify your design)?

Remember, the dissertation part of your degree is first and foremost about developing and demonstrating research skills . Therefore, the markers want to see that you know which methods to use, can clearly articulate why you’ve chosen then, and know how to deploy them effectively.

Importantly, this chapter requires detail – don’t hold back on the specifics. State exactly what you’ll be doing, with who, when, for how long, etc. Moreover, for every design choice you make, make sure you justify it.

In practice, you will likely end up coming back to this chapter once you’ve undertaken all your data collection and analysis, and revise it based on changes you made during the analysis phase. This is perfectly fine. Its natural for you to add an additional analysis technique, scrap an old one, etc based on where your data lead you. Of course, I’m talking about small changes here – not a fundamental switch from qualitative to quantitative, which will likely send your supervisor in a spin!

You’ve now collected your data and undertaken your analysis, whether qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods. In this chapter, you’ll present the raw results of your analysis . For example, in the case of a quant study, you’ll present the demographic data, descriptive statistics, inferential statistics , etc.

Typically, Chapter 4 is simply a presentation and description of the data, not a discussion of the meaning of the data. In other words, it’s descriptive, rather than analytical – the meaning is discussed in Chapter 5. However, some universities will want you to combine chapters 4 and 5, so that you both present and interpret the meaning of the data at the same time. Check with your institution what their preference is.

Now that you’ve presented the data analysis results, its time to interpret and analyse them. In other words, its time to discuss what they mean, especially in relation to your research question(s).

What you discuss here will depend largely on your chosen methodology. For example, if you’ve gone the quantitative route, you might discuss the relationships between variables . If you’ve gone the qualitative route, you might discuss key themes and the meanings thereof. It all depends on what your research design choices were.

Most importantly, you need to discuss your results in relation to your research questions and aims, as well as the existing literature. What do the results tell you about your research questions? Are they aligned with the existing research or at odds? If so, why might this be? Dig deep into your findings and explain what the findings suggest, in plain English.

The final chapter – you’ve made it! Now that you’ve discussed your interpretation of the results, its time to bring it back to the beginning with the conclusion chapter . In other words, its time to (attempt to) answer your original research question s (from way back in chapter 1). Clearly state what your conclusions are in terms of your research questions. This might feel a bit repetitive, as you would have touched on this in the previous chapter, but its important to bring the discussion full circle and explicitly state your answer(s) to the research question(s).

Next, you’ll typically discuss the implications of your findings . In other words, you’ve answered your research questions – but what does this mean for the real world (or even for academia)? What should now be done differently, given the new insight you’ve generated?

Lastly, you should discuss the limitations of your research, as well as what this means for future research in the area. No study is perfect, especially not a Masters-level. Discuss the shortcomings of your research. Perhaps your methodology was limited, perhaps your sample size was small or not representative, etc, etc. Don’t be afraid to critique your work – the markers want to see that you can identify the limitations of your work. This is a strength, not a weakness. Be brutal!

This marks the end of your core chapters – woohoo! From here on out, it’s pretty smooth sailing.

The reference list is straightforward. It should contain a list of all resources cited in your dissertation, in the required format, e.g. APA , Harvard, etc.

It’s essential that you use reference management software for your dissertation. Do NOT try handle your referencing manually – its far too error prone. On a reference list of multiple pages, you’re going to make mistake. To this end, I suggest considering either Mendeley or Zotero. Both are free and provide a very straightforward interface to ensure that your referencing is 100% on point. I’ve included a simple how-to video for the Mendeley software (my personal favourite) below:

Some universities may ask you to include a bibliography, as opposed to a reference list. These two things are not the same . A bibliography is similar to a reference list, except that it also includes resources which informed your thinking but were not directly cited in your dissertation. So, double-check your brief and make sure you use the right one.

The very last piece of the puzzle is the appendix or set of appendices. This is where you’ll include any supporting data and evidence. Importantly, supporting is the keyword here.

Your appendices should provide additional “nice to know”, depth-adding information, which is not critical to the core analysis. Appendices should not be used as a way to cut down word count (see this post which covers how to reduce word count ). In other words, don’t place content that is critical to the core analysis here, just to save word count. You will not earn marks on any content in the appendices, so don’t try to play the system!

Time to recap…

And there you have it – the traditional dissertation structure and layout, from A-Z. To recap, the core structure for a dissertation or thesis is (typically) as follows:

• Acknowledgments page

Most importantly, the core chapters should reflect the research process (asking, investigating and answering your research question). Moreover, the research question(s) should form the golden thread throughout your dissertation structure. Everything should revolve around the research questions, and as you’ve seen, they should form both the start point (i.e. introduction chapter) and the endpoint (i.e. conclusion chapter).

I hope this post has provided you with clarity about the traditional dissertation/thesis structure and layout. If you have any questions or comments, please leave a comment below, or feel free to get in touch with us. Also, be sure to check out the rest of the  Grad Coach Blog .

Psst... there’s more!

This post was based on one of our popular Research Bootcamps . If you're working on a research project, you'll definitely want to check this out ...

36 Comments

many thanks i found it very useful

Glad to hear that, Arun. Good luck writing your dissertation.

Such clear practical logical advice. I very much needed to read this to keep me focused in stead of fretting.. Perfect now ready to start my research!

what about scientific fields like computer or engineering thesis what is the difference in the structure? thank you very much

Thanks so much this helped me a lot!

Very helpful and accessible. What I like most is how practical the advice is along with helpful tools/ links.

Thanks Ade!

Thank you so much sir.. It was really helpful..

You’re welcome!

Hi! How many words maximum should contain the abstract?

Thank you so much 😊 Find this at the right moment

You’re most welcome. Good luck with your dissertation.

best ever benefit i got on right time thank you

Many times Clarity and vision of destination of dissertation is what makes the difference between good ,average and great researchers the same way a great automobile driver is fast with clarity of address and Clear weather conditions .

I guess Great researcher = great ideas + knowledge + great and fast data collection and modeling + great writing + high clarity on all these

You have given immense clarity from start to end.

Morning. Where will I write the definitions of what I’m referring to in my report?

Thank you so much Derek, I was almost lost! Thanks a tonnnn! Have a great day!

Thanks ! so concise and valuable

This was very helpful. Clear and concise. I know exactly what to do now.

Thank you for allowing me to go through briefly. I hope to find time to continue.

Really useful to me. Thanks a thousand times

Very interesting! It will definitely set me and many more for success. highly recommended.

Thank you soo much sir, for the opportunity to express my skills

Usefull, thanks a lot. Really clear

Very nice and easy to understand. Thank you .

That was incredibly useful. Thanks Grad Coach Crew!

My stress level just dropped at least 15 points after watching this. Just starting my thesis for my grad program and I feel a lot more capable now! Thanks for such a clear and helpful video, Emma and the GradCoach team!

Do we need to mention the number of words the dissertation contains in the main document?

It depends on your university’s requirements, so it would be best to check with them 🙂

Such a helpful post to help me get started with structuring my masters dissertation, thank you!

Great video; I appreciate that helpful information

It is so necessary or avital course

This blog is very informative for my research. Thank you

Doctoral students are required to fill out the National Research Council’s Survey of Earned Doctorates

wow this is an amazing gain in my life

This is so good

How can i arrange my specific objectives in my dissertation?

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How To: Navigate the Research Process

• How to Use This Guide

HOW TO  |  NAVIGATE THE RESEARCH PROCESS

What is the scope.

Your research scope is the parameters or boundaries of your research surrounding a particular topic. A scope can be broad or narrow, with varying degrees of breadth and depth. A research scope is usually closely related to your assignment or are pieces of information you deem important through investigation and assessment. When determining your scope it is helpful to try and answer the following questions: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?

Assignment Analysis

Every assignment has unique requirements. Several of these are outlined in the assignment prompt, others are determined by time constraints, future assignments, or your curiosity. Read through the assignment fully and ask yourself these questions to get started:

• When is the project due?
• What should the final product/project look like? (e.g. paper, presentation, work of art, podcast)
• How much time will need to create/construct the final product?
• What types of sources do you need? Are there limitations on publication type, years published, or another facet?
• Did your professor recommend specific databases, websites, sources, or other places to find this information?
• What information do you need or hope to get from these sources?
• What citation style do you need to use?
• Is this assignment part of a larger assignment later in your course or is this a stand-alone assignment? 
• How can this assignment be beneficial to you? Are you gaining knowledge, experience, something to use in a portfolio?

Research Question

Your research question is the catalyst that drives your search. In an assignment a research question can be given to you by a professor, which can be distinct or vague, or you might have to come up with your own question(s). All of these have their own difficulties. Your research question is bound to change overtime. Your curiosity is what makes your research question unique.

You will use your research question to establish a thesis statement. This statement works in conversation with the existing body of scholarship on a topic. You are either answering a question that's already been posed in a unique way or by asking a unique question. The thesis should be:

• Clear : provides enough specifics that one’s audience can easily understand its purpose without needing additional explanation.
• Focused : narrow enough that it can be answered thoroughly in the space the writing task allows.
• Complex : requires synthesis and analysis of ideas and sources prior to composition.
• Arguable : open to debate rather than accepted facts.

Background Research

Before you can fully develop your thesis, you first need a general understanding of your topic. This can be information from classes, snippets you read online, or information acquired through reference resources. 

Reference Resources are commonly used when looking for background information as they summarize the topic so it can be easily understood. These materials were initially designed to be mediated, and include materials like dictionaries, encyclopedias, atlases, almanacs, etc.  However, reference resources tend to vary in how general or specific the information given is. 

More often than not, background research is not  used in your final product, but a starting point for you to learn more about the topic in order to pull search terms, often called keywords. 

Keywords & Phrases

Keywords are words that relate to your research question and topic. Having a list of keywords will help you find resources during the search process. Spend some time brainstorming words that are connected to your topic. Record new words you come across during your background research and create lists of synonymous terms to use interchangeably when searching. 

Try some of these strategies for brainstorming and recording keywords:

• Brainstorm Box
• Database/Article Generated Keywords

This will also help you begin to think intensely about your research topic and question, distilling what truly interests you. 

Question Documents

Feel free to use the blank documents below to write your own answers to the assignment analysis questions.

• Word Document - Assignment Analysis Questions
• Google Document - Assignment Analysis Questions

Reference Resources

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• URL: https://library.hws.edu/research_process

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• Knowledge Base
• Dissertation

Theoretical Framework Example for a Thesis or Dissertation

Published on October 14, 2015 by Sarah Vinz . Revised on July 18, 2023 by Tegan George.

Your theoretical framework defines the key concepts in your research, suggests relationships between them, and discusses relevant theories based on your literature review .

A strong theoretical framework gives your research direction. It allows you to convincingly interpret, explain, and generalize from your findings and show the relevance of your thesis or dissertation topic in your field.

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Table of contents

Sample problem statement and research questions, sample theoretical framework, your theoretical framework, other interesting articles.

Your theoretical framework is based on:

• Your problem statement
• Your research questions
• Your literature review

A new boutique downtown is struggling with the fact that many of their online customers do not return to make subsequent purchases. This is a big issue for the otherwise fast-growing store.Management wants to increase customer loyalty. They believe that improved customer satisfaction will play a major role in achieving their goal of increased return customers.

To investigate this problem, you have zeroed in on the following problem statement, objective, and research questions:

• Problem : Many online customers do not return to make subsequent purchases.
• Objective : To increase the quantity of return customers.
• Research question : How can the satisfaction of the boutique’s online customers be improved in order to increase the quantity of return customers?

The concepts of “customer loyalty” and “customer satisfaction” are clearly central to this study, along with their relationship to the likelihood that a customer will return. Your theoretical framework should define these concepts and discuss theories about the relationship between these variables.

Some sub-questions could include:

• What is the relationship between customer loyalty and customer satisfaction?
• How satisfied and loyal are the boutique’s online customers currently?
• What factors affect the satisfaction and loyalty of the boutique’s online customers?

As the concepts of “loyalty” and “customer satisfaction” play a major role in the investigation and will later be measured, they are essential concepts to define within your theoretical framework .

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Below is a simplified example showing how you can describe and compare theories in your thesis or dissertation . In this example, we focus on the concept of customer satisfaction introduced above.

Customer satisfaction

Thomassen (2003, p. 69) defines customer satisfaction as “the perception of the customer as a result of consciously or unconsciously comparing their experiences with their expectations.” Kotler & Keller (2008, p. 80) build on this definition, stating that customer satisfaction is determined by “the degree to which someone is happy or disappointed with the observed performance of a product in relation to his or her expectations.”

Performance that is below expectations leads to a dissatisfied customer, while performance that satisfies expectations produces satisfied customers (Kotler & Keller, 2003, p. 80).

The definition of Zeithaml and Bitner (2003, p. 86) is slightly different from that of Thomassen. They posit that “satisfaction is the consumer fulfillment response. It is a judgement that a product or service feature, or the product of service itself, provides a pleasurable level of consumption-related fulfillment.” Zeithaml and Bitner’s emphasis is thus on obtaining a certain satisfaction in relation to purchasing.

Thomassen’s definition is the most relevant to the aims of this study, given the emphasis it places on unconscious perception. Although Zeithaml and Bitner, like Thomassen, say that customer satisfaction is a reaction to the experience gained, there is no distinction between conscious and unconscious comparisons in their definition.

The boutique claims in its mission statement that it wants to sell not only a product, but also a feeling. As a result, unconscious comparison will play an important role in the satisfaction of its customers. Thomassen’s definition is therefore more relevant.

Thomassen’s Customer Satisfaction Model

According to Thomassen, both the so-called “value proposition” and other influences have an impact on final customer satisfaction. In his satisfaction model (Fig. 1), Thomassen shows that word-of-mouth, personal needs, past experiences, and marketing and public relations determine customers’ needs and expectations.

These factors are compared to their experiences, with the interplay between expectations and experiences determining a customer’s satisfaction level. Thomassen’s model is important for this study as it allows us to determine both the extent to which the boutique’s customers are satisfied, as well as where improvements can be made.

Figure 1 Customer satisfaction creation 

Of course, you could analyze the concepts more thoroughly and compare additional definitions to each other. You could also discuss the theories and ideas of key authors in greater detail and provide several models to illustrate different concepts.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

Research bias

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• What is a Workflow

9 Steps to Writing a Scope of Work [with Template and Example]

December 29, 2023 - Updated on May 12, 2024

When creating and executing a project, a shared understanding of the project’s objective—what the planned project aims to achieve, is the cornerstone of success. This understanding is precisely what the scope of work (SOW) brings. This invaluable document defines the project’s destination and the tasks required .

So, armed with this information, you can embark on a well-defined path, with clear milestones marking your progress. This clarity also allows you to align other critical elements, such as budgeting, equipment, and team members, ensuring they fit seamlessly into your project’s framework.

With the SOW in place, the foundational work is complete, providing a stress-free, clearly marked path of activities. Let’s take you through crafting an effective scope of work step by step.

Key Takeaways

• Scope of work outlines project elements like project management methodologies , goals, timelines, and resources, facilitating agreement among all stakeholders for clear expectations and seamless progress.
• This document provides clear direction, defines responsibilities, prevents scope creep, manages expectations, allocates resources effectively, reduces risks, and acts as a communication tool.
• Within it, you should include the project’s key aspects , such as project deliverables, milestones, timelines, reports, resources, roles and responsibilities, change management, and a communication plan.
• Writing a scope of work involves defining project goals, listing deliverables, determining tasks and timelines, outlining quality standards, identifying project goals, specifying roles, establishing acceptance criteria, and planning reporting.

What is a Scope of Work?

Scope of work is a document that outlines all the essential project elements —the ultimate project management goal , work methodology, project timeline, and resources.

Both project management and its team, along with external organizations like sponsors and stakeholders, take note of the contents of this document, ensuring unanimous agreement among all parties involved in the project. This way, they establish the foundation for clear expectations and ensure the project progresses seamlessly.

Therefore, the primary goal of an SOW is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the required accomplishments and the methods to achieve them. An SOW is a preventative measure against scope creep —the gradual expansion of project tasks beyond the originally agreed-upon limits.

By explicitly stating what’s included and excluded from the project, the SOW acts as a safeguard, minimizing misunderstandings and disputes as the project progresses. It’s a critical communication tool that fosters alignment among all stakeholders, ensuring everyone shares a common understanding of the project’s scope, objectives, and constraints.

Another meaning of the scope of work is that it provides a foundation for project planning , resource allocation, and risk management. It aids project managers in estimating costs, assigning tasks, and tracking progress.

Why is a Scope of Work Important?

Let’s look at the following list and see why the scope of work is so important:

#1. Clear Direction

The SOW is like a guide for the project . It points to what the project is for and what its goals are and shows everyone what needs to be done. This ensures everyone on the team is on the same page and going in the same direction.

#2. Defined Responsibilities

The SOW defines who is in charge of what by listing specific tasks and duties , which helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures that each team member knows their job.

#3. Preventing Scope Creep

Scope creep occurs when a project undergoes changes or additions that were not initially planned. The scope of work establishes project boundaries , preventing unauthorized changes and maintaining the project’s concentration on its original goals.

#4. Expectation Management

The SOW manages the standards of both the client and the stakeholders. It says what will be brought and when, so there won’t be any misunderstandings or future disputes.

#5. Allocating Resources

With a clear SOW, it is easy to see what resources are needed . This helps put the right people, time, materials, and money into the tasks, making optimal use of resources.

#6. Risk Reduction

The scope of work provides proactive risk management by informing everyone about potential risks and difficulties ahead of time. That includes backup plans in case something goes wrong.

#7. Communication Tool

The SOW is a tool for communication between involved parties in the project. With this tool, you can make sure that everyone has the same idea of the project goals , boundaries, and limitations.

What to Include in a Scope of Work

Precisely detailing essential project information results in creating a foundational scope of work, outlining the project’s details. This contract serves to familiarize all project stakeholders with its contents , and their endorsement signifies not only agreement but also a commitment to its execution.

Here are the key elements that the scope of work should include:

#1. Project Deliverables

Identify the project deliverables — target outputs (usually products or services)—that your team’s efforts and task execution will accomplish. This identification entails a comprehensive description of these outputs’ expected quality and quantity. It can also contain the applied methodology to create the planned deliverables.

By acquainting your team and stakeholders with project deliverables in this manner, you can ensure alignment between stakeholders’ expectations and the organization’s vision.

#2. Project Milestones

Pinpoint significant stages or checkpoints during the project’s progress. Project milestones facilitate monitoring and assessing the project’s advancement, offering opportunities for stakeholders to review and provide feedback before transitioning to the next phase.

Continuously providing such chances allows you to respond to stakeholder demands, satisfying all parties and successfully delivering the project.

#3. Project Timeline

Clearly define the start and end dates for the project . Establish each project’s phase’s start, duration, and end for better organization, focus, and accountability.

When determining project duration, realistically consider the time required for planned activities, account for unforeseen changes during execution, and allocate resources effectively.

#4. Project Reports

Specifying intervals for composing reports about essential project aspects within the SOW is also crucial. Mention the format in which these reports will be compiled and distributed among project participants.

These reports could encompass progress updates, status summaries, risk assessments, and other relevant details. Reporting mechanisms, such as regular meetings, email updates, or a designated project management platform, ensure stakeholders are informed about the project’s status and allow timely intervention if needed.

#5. Project Resources

Specify the resources required for the project, including personnel, equipment, materials, and budget. Specifying resource needs helps in proper allocation and prevents resource shortages that could hinder progress.

#6. Roles and Responsibilities

Detail the responsibilities of each member of the team and stakeholder involved in the project. This specification clarifies who is accountable for each aspect of the project and fosters effective communication and collaboration.

#7. Change Management

Outline the process for requesting and approving project scope, timeline, or other parameter changes. A structured change management process helps address unforeseen circumstances or evolving requirements without disrupting the project’s trajectory.

#8. Communication Plan

Describe how stakeholders will maintain communication , including regular meetings, reporting methods, and communication channels. Effective communication minimizes misunderstanding and keeps everyone informed and aligned.

How to Write a Scope of Work: A 9-Step Guide

Creating an SOW can be quite challenging, especially when dealing with complex projects, and many of them are exactly that. However, if you stick to this guide, you will save time and money, and your SOW will look professional. Here’s what you should do:

#1. Define the Project

Start with a concise overview of the project and state its purpose, objectives, and the problems it aims to solve . This sets the stage for shared understanding among all parties involved. For instance, if the project involves developing a new website for a client, explain the need for the website, the target audience, and the desired features.

#2. List Deliverables

Enumerate the specific deliverables that the project will produce. These are tangible outcomes that the client or stakeholders can expect. Be detailed and precise in describing each deliverable.

For example, if the project is about creating a marketing campaign, list items like a social media content calendar, promotional videos, and ad copy.

#3. Determine Tasks and Timelines

Break down the project into manageable tasks and activities. You can use a work breakdown structure to achieve that. After you get all those bits, assign estimated timelines to each task, considering dependencies and resources. This will provide a clear timeline for the project’s progression.

#4. Outline the Quality Standards

The quality is what brings customers and clients to you and, more importantly, keeps them with you. So, clearly define the quality standards that need to be met for each deliverable. This ensures that everyone has the same expectations regarding the final output.

If the project involves software development, quality standards might encompass code quality, user interface design, and testing protocols.

#5. Identify the Goals of the Project

Highlight the overarching goals that the project aims to achieve. These goals should align with the client’s strategic objectives and serve as the yardstick for measuring success. If the project concerns a research study, goals might include gathering specific data, conducting in-depth analysis, and providing actionable insights.

#6. Define Guidelines

Establish guidelines for communication, collaboration, and decision-making . This means that everyone knows how updates will be shared, how meetings will be conducted, and who has the authority to make crucial decisions.

Also, define which tools the communication and collaboration team will use, whether Discord , Asana , Trello , or any others, so everyone in the team can be on the same page. This promotes transparency and streamlines project execution.

#7. State Project Management Roles

Specify the roles and responsibilities of each team member involved in the project. This prevents confusion and ensures accountability. For example, if the project is a construction venture, roles might include project manager, architect, site supervisor, and subcontractors, each with their defined responsibilities.

#8. Establish Acceptance Criteria

Lay out the criteria that must be met for each deliverable to be accepted by the client or stakeholders. This ensures a clear definition of when a deliverable is considered complete. For instance, for a graphic design project, acceptance criteria could involve factors like resolution, color scheme, and alignment with the brand identity.

#9. Provide Progress Updates Regularly

Incorporate a section on reporting and progress updates and define how and when project updates will be communicated to stakeholders and among team members. This could involve daily, weekly, and monthly status reports, meetings, or online dashboards.

Scope of Work Example

Let’s see a simple scope of work example, which will help you understand exactly what a professional SOW looks like.

Project Definition

Designing and developing a user-friendly website for a small local bakery, allowing them to establish an online presence and attract more customers. The website will include a homepage, product catalog, about us page, contact form, and an integrated e-commerce platform for processing orders.

#1. List Deliverables:

• Create a homepage with bakery branding and an introduction
• Develop a product catalog showcasing bakery items with descriptions and images
• Craft an “About Us” page detailing the bakery’s history, values, and team
• Implement a contact for inquiries and feedback
• Integrate an e-commerce platform enabling online orders and payments

#2. Determine Tasks and Timelines:

Design phase (weeks 1-2).

• Gather bakery branding assets and style preferences
• Design homepage layout and visual elements
• Design product catalog and e-commerce interface

Development phase (weeks 3-6)

• Develop a responsive website based on approved designs
• Implement e-commerce functionality for online orders
• Integrate the contact form and ensure submission functionality

Testing and QA (weeks 7-8)

• Thoroughly test website functionality and compatibility
• Conduct user experience testing across devices and browsers

#3. Outline the Quality Standards:

• Make sure the website design aligns with the bakery’s branding and visual identity
• Verify that all features, including e-commerce and contact form, must function smoothly without errors
• Make certain the website is responsive and provides a consistent experience across devices
• Optimize load times for quick page loading

#4. Identify the Goals of the Project:

• Establish an online platform to showcase bakery products and attract customers
• Enable online orders to expand the bakery’s customer base
• Enhance brand recognition and customer engagement

#5. Define Guidelines:

• Reflect the bakery’s warm and inviting atmosphere in the website design
• Ensure product images and descriptions are enticing and accurate
• Make the e-commerce process user-friendly and secure

#6. State Project Management Roles:

• Bakery owner: Provide brand assets, product details, and feedback
• Web development team: Design and develop the website, integrate e-commerce, and conduct testing

#7. Establish Acceptance Criteria:

• Obtain approval for the website design from the bakery owner before development
• Make sure that all pages and features function without errors
• Review and receive final approval from the bakery owner before the website goes live

#8. Provide Progress Updates Regularly:

• Provide weekly progress updates to the bakery owner
• Conduct monthly meetings to review the project’s status and address any concerns

5 Best Practices for Writing the Perfect Scope of Work

Here are five best practices that will guide you in writing the perfect SOW, ensuring that your project starts on the right foot and proceeds without unnecessary hiccups.

• Be specific : Clearly define project details, objectives, and deliverables. Eliminate vague language to ensure everyone involved understands the project’s scope and its expectations.
• Use simple language : Opt for plain and straightforward wording. This enhances readability and minimizes the chance of misunderstandings among team members and stakeholders.
• Set realistic expectations : Ensure that the SOW is realistic regarding resources, time, budget, and other critical aspects. Unrealistic expectations can lead to dissatisfaction and project delays.
• Include flexibility : While being specific, allow flexibility to accommodate unforeseen changes or challenges. Clear procedures for handling changes will keep the project on track.
• Use visuals : Visuals are a straightforward way to explain complicated information to the stakeholders so they can understand all the parts of the project. Flowcharts, timelines, graphs, and tables all create a visual project roadmap that helps get more involved in the project.

Challenges in Managing the Scope of Work

In this section, we’ll explore the key challenges project managers and teams often encounter when dealing with a scope of work (SOW).

• Scope Creep . Constant monitoring and aligning the scope with emerging changes, including obtaining stakeholder approval before incorporation, is essential. This proactive approach prevents the emergence of scope creep—the unauthorized expansion of the project scope.
• Unclear Change Control . While change is inevitable, the absence of a structured change control process can turn even minor adjustments into significant disruptions. Establishing proper evaluation and approval mechanisms is crucial to preserve the integrity of the project’s scope.
• Inadequate Stakeholder Communication . Failing to engage stakeholders in regular and transparent communication can result in unmet expectations and dissatisfaction. Regularly revisiting and refining the scope and fostering collaboration among stakeholders and team members lead to effective results and satisfaction.
• Lack of Scope Documentation . Thorough documentation outlining the scope of work is paramount. Such documentation leads to clarity and facilitates referencing the original project agreement.
• Gold Plating . Adding new features without the client’s knowledge can disrupt focus and efficiency. Such additions outside the original scope can lead to project delays and client dissatisfaction. Communicating and jointly developing every idea with clients is advisable to ensure alignment.
• Rapidly Changing Requirements . In dynamic environments where there is a need for swift responses to new demands, requirements can shift quickly. Adapting to these changes while maintaining the project’s core scope necessitates agile planning and execution.
• Technical Uncertainties . Ventures into innovative domains with untested technical facets can introduce unforeseen obstacles. Collaborating with experts in that field can facilitate problem-solving.
• External Influences . Market trends, regulatory changes, or economic shifts can disrupt project scope. While these are beyond your control, proactive research and consultation with legal experts can prepare you to address potential challenges and resolve them efficiently.

Final Thoughts

Both the nature of your project and your business setup shape the structure and contents of your scope of work . Understanding the significance of having and regularly adapting and adjusting your scope of work is the key to successful management. Moreover, recognizing potential challenges empowers you to navigate them adeptly.

Successful project management is rooted in open communication, timely updates, and teamwork. Within this framework, the precise scope of work shields you from scope creep while providing a roadmap of activities to effectively achieve your overall objectives and goals.

With your carefully crafted scope of work, chart your project path and navigate it to successful completion!

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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Developing Strong Thesis Statements

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The thesis statement or main claim must be debatable

An argumentative or persuasive piece of writing must begin with a debatable thesis or claim. In other words, the thesis must be something that people could reasonably have differing opinions on. If your thesis is something that is generally agreed upon or accepted as fact then there is no reason to try to persuade people.

Example of a non-debatable thesis statement:

This thesis statement is not debatable. First, the word pollution implies that something is bad or negative in some way. Furthermore, all studies agree that pollution is a problem; they simply disagree on the impact it will have or the scope of the problem. No one could reasonably argue that pollution is unambiguously good.

Example of a debatable thesis statement:

This is an example of a debatable thesis because reasonable people could disagree with it. Some people might think that this is how we should spend the nation's money. Others might feel that we should be spending more money on education. Still others could argue that corporations, not the government, should be paying to limit pollution.

Another example of a debatable thesis statement:

In this example there is also room for disagreement between rational individuals. Some citizens might think focusing on recycling programs rather than private automobiles is the most effective strategy.

The thesis needs to be narrow

Although the scope of your paper might seem overwhelming at the start, generally the narrower the thesis the more effective your argument will be. Your thesis or claim must be supported by evidence. The broader your claim is, the more evidence you will need to convince readers that your position is right.

Example of a thesis that is too broad:

There are several reasons this statement is too broad to argue. First, what is included in the category "drugs"? Is the author talking about illegal drug use, recreational drug use (which might include alcohol and cigarettes), or all uses of medication in general? Second, in what ways are drugs detrimental? Is drug use causing deaths (and is the author equating deaths from overdoses and deaths from drug related violence)? Is drug use changing the moral climate or causing the economy to decline? Finally, what does the author mean by "society"? Is the author referring only to America or to the global population? Does the author make any distinction between the effects on children and adults? There are just too many questions that the claim leaves open. The author could not cover all of the topics listed above, yet the generality of the claim leaves all of these possibilities open to debate.

Example of a narrow or focused thesis:

In this example the topic of drugs has been narrowed down to illegal drugs and the detriment has been narrowed down to gang violence. This is a much more manageable topic.

We could narrow each debatable thesis from the previous examples in the following way:

Narrowed debatable thesis 1:

This thesis narrows the scope of the argument by specifying not just the amount of money used but also how the money could actually help to control pollution.

Narrowed debatable thesis 2:

This thesis narrows the scope of the argument by specifying not just what the focus of a national anti-pollution campaign should be but also why this is the appropriate focus.

Qualifiers such as " typically ," " generally ," " usually ," or " on average " also help to limit the scope of your claim by allowing for the almost inevitable exception to the rule.

Types of claims

Claims typically fall into one of four categories. Thinking about how you want to approach your topic, or, in other words, what type of claim you want to make, is one way to focus your thesis on one particular aspect of your broader topic.

Claims of fact or definition: These claims argue about what the definition of something is or whether something is a settled fact. Example:

Claims of cause and effect: These claims argue that one person, thing, or event caused another thing or event to occur. Example:

Claims about value: These are claims made of what something is worth, whether we value it or not, how we would rate or categorize something. Example:

Claims about solutions or policies: These are claims that argue for or against a certain solution or policy approach to a problem. Example:

Which type of claim is right for your argument? Which type of thesis or claim you use for your argument will depend on your position and knowledge of the topic, your audience, and the context of your paper. You might want to think about where you imagine your audience to be on this topic and pinpoint where you think the biggest difference in viewpoints might be. Even if you start with one type of claim you probably will be using several within the paper. Regardless of the type of claim you choose to utilize it is key to identify the controversy or debate you are addressing and to define your position early on in the paper.

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Sample of scope and limitations in thesis writing

Strategies for Publish Graduate Writing: Scope and Limitations of the Study

Hello and welcome back! I’m Dr. Cheryl Lentz, who owns The Refractive Thinker® Press. Today our focus for Strategies for Publish Graduate Writing is around the scope and limitations as offered in Chapter 1 and reviewed again in Chapter 5 within the Graduate Thesis format as well as for most Doctorate Dissertations.

The scope and limitations are important towards the nature of the study. As the study starts with your condition statement and purpose statement—outlining the main reason and direction for the study, your study should also indicate its limitations. Additionally as to the your study promises to accomplish. attorney at law of the items your study intends to not accomplish is worth focusing on and cost too. Do you know the limitations that possibly the style of your study might not allow?

This can include:

(1) Sampling. Is the sampling a non-probability or purposeful sampling for instance? Why?

• Possibly it wasn’t economical to survey all people from the organization?
• Possibly it wasn’t time efficient to survey all people from the organization?

(2) Possibly there’s a limitation within the scope and validity of the survey instrument?

(3) Possibly you will find limitations to the selection of methodology?

• Example: For that Delphi Technique, the literature review as provided by my dissertation found four primary limitations to using the conventional Delphi Technique as provided by authors Nekolaichuk, Fainsinger, and Lawlor (2005).
• Because of these limitations, great care was taken having the ability to generalize the resultant findings when discussed in Chapter 5

Remember, there’s frequently confusion in what is intended by delimitations (individuals characteristics and information regarding your study that could limit the scope or define your particular limitations) of the particular study and limitations (individuals factors that may limit what you could say concerning the results).

Simply by defining your condition statement in almost any particular way, you’re potentially restricting the scope, limitations, or parameters for the study. There are lots of approaches you could look at. If you take your unique approach, you’re committing to particular scope of action and path that you’ll be traveling. You will have to define what you want to study in addition to what you don’t. Be very specific both in areas for the readers to obviously understand your intents on levels.

Limitations by comparison are what elements will modify the ability for the study to generalize the outcomes. What conclusions are you in a position to tap into your study in your specific limitations? Let’s think about your sample population for instance. Is the sample big enough? Keep in mind that Creswell (2002) established that “approximately 30 participants for any correlational study that relates variables (p. 168) could be acceptable being an appropriate sample size. Anything less which may potentially limit the validity of the study to grow much beyond its initial population sample.

Remember our goal is exactly what our study can increase the general body of understanding at its conclusion. What’s going to we have the ability to offer about our study because of our various choices regarding the glory of the study’s problem statement, purpose statement, methodology, sample size, and population?

Make sure to spend time in thought regarding these areas.

Creswell, J. (2002). Educational research: Planning, performing, and evaluation quantitative and qualitative research. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

Nekolaichuk, C. Fainsinger, R. Lawlor, P. (2005, October). A validation study of the discomfort classification system for advanced cancer patients using content experts: The Edmonton Classification System for cancer discomfort. Palliative Medicine, 19 (6), 466-476.

Allow me to once more invite you to identify a minimum of three sample studies out of your particular college that mirrors your study that you should carefully follow its logic, format, and overall organization, presentation, subheading titles, and possibly design. The sample studies will offer you delimitations and limitations for the study to think about further.

For additional tips about effective publish graduate writing, to incorporate both videos and transcripts, check out my blog at refractivethinker.com/wordpress .

Appreciate joining me. Again i’m Dr. Cheryl Lentz. I’ve enjoyed our time together and I think you’ll find these recommendations for crafting a highly effective doctorate dissertation or graduate thesis in this particular video useful. Much ongoing success and luck for you as the academic and professional journeys continue.

**For additional useful tips about doctorate publishing, please come along for any free web seminar (a $97 value!) by visiting world wide web.FreeRefractiveThinker.com. Don’t hesitate to share your comments!

Remember, there’s frequently confusion in what is intended by delimitations (individuals characteristics and information regarding your study that could limit the scope or define your particular limitations) of the particular study and limitations (individuals factors that may limit what you could say concerning the results). Simply by defining your condition statement in almost any particular way, you’re potentially restricting the scope, limitations, or parameters for the study. There are lots of approaches you could look at. If you take your unique approach, you’re committing to particular scope of action and path that you’ll be traveling. You will have to define what you want to study in addition to what you don’t. Be very specific both in areas for the readers to obviously understand your intents on levels.

Remember our goal is exactly what our study can increase the general body of understanding at its conclusion. What’s going to we have the ability to offer about our study because of our various choices regarding the glory of the study’s problem statement, purpose statement, methodology, sample size, and population? Make sure to spend time in thought regarding these areas.

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Defining the Scope and Limitations in a Thesis

When writing a thesis, there are many essential elements to develop in order to give the reader a clear understanding of the research. Two of these components are the scope and the limitations.

In a thesis, the scope defines exactly what will be covered in a study, while the limitations are the constraining aspects that may have influenced or affected the research. For example, if the study covers the native population of a particular region, that specific population is the scope. If the researcher has a bias due to inclusion in this population, then this is a limitation.

The scope is very important to the overall quality of a thesis. It should be developed at the beginning of the study because it will need to be referenced to guide the research along the way. Developing a strong scope is a matter of striking a balance. The researcher will need to hone in on a very specific topic, as studying one question in depth is generally more useful than surface-level coverage of a broader subject. Simultaneously, a topic cannot be so narrow as to leave little to be researched or answered. In addition, the scope should address a question that has not yet been answered in depth, yet is not so obscure as to leave the researcher with a complete lack of reference material with which to work.

Researchers can start developing a scope with a single overarching research question. Though a few additional subheadings may be desired, a one-question limit forces the research to stay focused. Question words such as “how,” “why” and “which” are useful for a thesis, as they encourage a deeper, more critical thought process during research.

The Limitations

All studies are limited by various factors, and like the scope, limitations should also be considered early on. Any controllable limitations, such as a flaw in the research design, can then be adjusted or removed before finishing the thesis. Regardless, the completed research will have limitations, and these must be mentioned in the thesis. The researcher should approach it honestly and realistically, neither over- or understating the limitations.

Different types of study may be prone to certain types of limitations. The research methods must be carefully considered to avoid unnecessary limitations. For example, case studies are typically focused on one person or group, which may or may not be indicative of other similar scenarios. Most case studies will therefore naturally limit the researcher’s ability to generalize without further research. Studies that require instrumentation for measurements are limited by the ability and quality of the instruments. Survey-based research can be limited by the participants’ ability to answer the question precisely. In other words, the questions, available answers, or space available can limit or even change the participants’ desired answers.

A solid limitations section in a thesis will directly state all of the potential limitations but will not stop there. It should also justify how research design decisions were made, as well as why certain limitations were deemed acceptable over others. Ideally, the researcher will provide suggestions on how the limitations of the current study might be avoided in future research.

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How to write a scope of work (with sow examples & templates).

Haillie Parker

January 24, 2024

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The scope of work document is a simple yet necessary piece of the project management process. 

As a project manager, it’s imperative that everyone involved in an upcoming initiative feels informed, heard, and included every step of the way. A scope of work (SOW) document is key to achieving this before the planning stage even ends. 

Think of the scope of work as a tool—something you, the project team, and all key players will revisit multiple times throughout the project management process, and something that evolves as your timeline progresses. 

Before opening a fresh document to embark on your scope of work writing process, consult this detailed guide to inform your framework. 

Find detailed breakdowns, examples, and best practices for writing a valuable scope of work document. Plus, access a free scope of work template to standardize your process and contribute to alongside the team!

What is a Scope of Work?

Best practices when writing a scope of work, how to write a scope of work, scope of work document templates, key deliverables , the project timeline, major milestones, progress reports, scope of work examples, scope of work samples for other use cases, set your scope of work in motion.

The scope of work clearly defines the project controls , services, and deliverables you’ll provide in an upcoming project. It acts as a written agreement and is one of the most important and detailed documents in the early stages of any project.

With the right resources at hand, creating a scope of work document can be a fairly simple process! But it’s important to keep in mind its essential must-have elements to keep your team on the same page when it comes to:

• Project deliverables
• All necessary resources including budget, time, and workload
• Project timeline and phases
• Legal requirements

Specifying these factors early on will help you manage projects more successfully and avoid setbacks in your project schedule, running out of resources, or scope creep later in the project management process. Plus, a thorough scope of work ensures the project team knows exactly what’s expected of them, including the purpose of the project, overall spending, project milestones, and deadlines. 

Here’s your new scope of work mantra: When in doubt, be specific, visual, and fully transparent.

• Specific : What do the key terms mean? Who does what tasks and when? Being clear on project specifics is a surefire way to avoid confusion, miscommunication, and misalignment. All of which can be detrimental to a project’s execution
• Visual : What is the deliverable actually going to look like? Visuals help key players avoid misreading or misinterpreting project expectations from the start
• Transparent : Make sure the major stakeholders approve of what’s planned, acknowledge key milestones as they happen, and in general, stay in the loop

These three strategies will ensure you’re sending off the right information for any project, every time. But if you want to take them a step further, start investing your time more productively in the planning process by using a scope of work template to handle the heavy lifting when it comes to writing your scope of work. 

Now that we’ve discussed best practices of a scope of work, let’s dive into how to write one. Here is a step-by-step list of how to write a scope of work:

• Define the project:  Start by defining the project and its objectives. This should include what you are trying to achieve, why you are undertaking the project, and what benefits it will bring.
• List deliverables:  Make a list of all deliverables that will be required for the project. This should include any documents, reports, software, or other items that will be needed.
• Determine tasks and timelines:  Break down the project into smaller tasks and determine the timeline for each one. This should include start and end dates for each task and the overall project timeline.
• Identify resources:  Identify the resources that will be required for the project, including personnel, equipment, and budget.
• Define quality standards:  Outline the quality standards that will need to be met for the project. This should include any requirements for testing, quality control, and quality assurance.
• Determine communication procedures:  Define the procedures that will be used for communication during the project. This should outline how often communication will take place, who will be involved, and what methods will be used.
• Identify risks:  Identify any potential risks that could impact the project. This should include risks related to timelines, resources, quality, and other factors.
• Define acceptance criteria:  Define the acceptance criteria that will be used to evaluate the success of the project. This should include specific metrics or measures that will be used to determine if the project has been completed successfully.
• Review and finalize:  Review the scope of work with all stakeholders to ensure that it accurately reflects the  project requirements . Once finalized, distribute the scope of work to all stakeholders and use it as a reference throughout the project.

Looking to standardize your planning practices? Start with a project management template to expedite the scope of work process. As a rule of thumb, your scope of work template should have at least these five sections built out to plug and play your project information:

• A glossary for relevant terms
• The problem statement your project is solving
• SMART goals , project objectives, deliverables, KPIs, and the like 
• Necessary administrative needs and approvals
• A customizable project schedule or timeline

But TBH, these five sections are the bare minimum. 

With the right document editor and template, you’ll also be able to collaborate on your scope of work alongside the team, customize the sharing and permission settings, connect the document to your workflows, and more. 👀

All of this is possible with the beginner-friendly Scope of Work Template by ClickUp —at absolutely no cost. 

This detailed ClickUp Doc template comes organized in clearly formatted sections including:

• Background and project goals
• Deliverables
• Agency and client responsibilities
• Timeline and milestones
• Administration

Plus, thorough resource management planning and project objectives . 🏆 

The sticky table of contents makes it easy to navigate the many sections of this document while the pre-built tables keep information concise and easy to grasp. 

The greatest advantage of this template though is that it’s created using ClickUp Docs. Collaborative live detection and automatically-saved version history ensure that everyone with access is viewing the most recent version of the scope of work at all times. And since text can be converted directly into ClickUp tasks, team members can act on the project plan from the scope of work itself. 

What’s more, ClickUp tasks can be embedded into Docs along with datasets from other software, so the necessary project information is never far from reach. 

What to Include in a Scope of Work Document?

Let’s take a closer look at the essential elements of an effective scope of work document and best practices to adopt ahead of your next project.

Are you providing a product or a service? Let the project team know! Even if it seems obvious to you, keeping a record of all project deliverables is helpful to keep on hand and refer back to later on. Plus, this document isn’t just for the project team—key players like stakeholders , other department heads, and higher-ups may be accessing this document as well, making the process of grasping the project scope critical. 

Embedding images, diagrams , or media for context and additional visuals are a great way to convey details about your deliverables. Especially if your team creates wireframes using digital whiteboard software or uses specific reporting documents to break down your work structure, make that information as accessible as possible. 

The option to embed information from other tools is a major benefit of using a dynamic document editor to manage your scope of work records, stakeholder approvals, SOPs , and more. 

In ClickUp Docs , you have the power to embed virtually anything—including tasks, tables, media, assets from other tools, and more. With Slash Commands for quick keyboard shortcuts, collaborative live editing , rich formatting, and easy sharing via URL, ClickUp Docs are ideal for creating a thorough scope of work document with ease. 

Your project management timeline is the start-to-finish journey of a project’s development. This section will outline the phases your project will pass through and detail the deliverables expected along the way.

You have to map out your timeline in order to define a project’s scope, but you can build your timeline in a variety of ways. Gantt charts , tables, and flowcharts like mind maps are highly visual project management solutions for creating your timeline and ensuring all major details are included. These resources are also excellent for identifying task relationships and dependencies which will make the project execution phase more efficient overall! 

Gantt view in ClickUp makes it easy to achieve this level of time management with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface to draw relationships between tasks, visualize bottlenecks, and prioritize action items. Even calculate your critical path or track your progress percentages for a birdseye of what’s happening and what’s to come. 

For complex projects especially, the timeline alone can be daunting. In these situations, it can be helpful to break up and define a larger timeline by its key deadlines when the project moves from one stage to the next. These major moments are known as project milestones . 

Reaching a project milestone is a great opportunity to regroup, get back on the same page, and reassess where your project is headed. It’s the perfect time to touch back with important stakeholders and ensure the project is developing as expected or discuss any issues faced along the way. 

Milestone templates help eliminate some of the guesswork involved in identifying the most significant milestones in a project while guaranteeing your team is making the best use of them. In ClickUp, Milestones are visually represented with a diamond-shaped icon on your timeline or Gantt chart. This helps you quickly identify your major achievements and can be created from any ClickUp task . 

Reporting is not a one-and-done task on your list. Reliable insights and updated reports are key elements of any good scope of work document, as many managers and stakeholders will refer back to it multiple times throughout the project management process—not just the planning phase. 

This is another area where it’s best to lean into more visual assets. No one wants to lose time deciphering lengthy datasets or clicking into additional research. Summarize the most important and data-driven points in a way that’s easy to digest. 

Dashboards in ClickUp excel on this front. Choose from over 50 widgets to pull up-to-date data on recent project activities using customized charts, progress tracking, calculations, tables, and even other apps to build presentation-ready Dashboards for your projects.

To give you a more tangible understanding of how to write an effective Scope of Work, let’s delve into some real-life examples. These examples will illustrate how various organizations have successfully implemented their scope of work, providing you with practical insights and inspiration for your own projects.

1. Software Development Team Scope of Work

Project: Development of a Mobile App

• Objective: To design and develop a user-friendly mobile application for food delivery with unique features like live tracking and multiple payment options.
• Scope: The app should be compatible with both iOS and Android platforms. The project includes UI/UX design, backend development, testing, bug fixing, and deployment to the respective app stores.
• Timeline: The project will be completed in six months, with milestones set for each development phase.
• Deliverables: A fully functional mobile app, test report, user manual, and source code.
• Dependencies: Timely approval from stakeholders at each phase of development, availability of resources, and accessibility to third-party APIs for payment gateways.

2. Marketing Team Scope of Work

Project: Launch of a New Product

• Objective: To design and execute a comprehensive marketing campaign for the launch of a new line of organic skincare products.
• Scope: The project includes market research, competitor analysis , creation of marketing materials, social media promotion, PR, and tracking the success of the campaign.
• Timeline: The project will be carried out over four months, with specific deadlines for each task.
• Deliverables: A detailed marketing strategy , content for promotion (blogs, social media posts, press releases, etc.), and a final report outlining the campaign’s impact.
• Dependencies: Timely feedback and approval from the product team and stakeholders , collaboration with influencers, and market response.

3. HR Team Scope of Work

Project: Employee Onboarding Program

• Objective: To develop a comprehensive onboarding program that will help new hires become proficient in their roles quickly and feel welcomed into the organization.
• Scope: The project includes creating an onboarding checklist, developing training materials, organizing orientation sessions, and collecting feedback.
• Timeline: The project will take two months to complete with evaluation and revision periods included.
• Deliverables: An onboarding manual, training materials, and a feedback report.
• Dependencies: Timely input and cooperation from different departments, availability of new hires, and feedback from the new employees .

To make this process even simpler and more efficient, we’ve also created a set of ready-to-use templates for different use cases. Let’s dive into these templates and see how they can assist you in defining the scope of your projects.

Contractors: Having a scope of work is essential for contractors to define the expected deliverables and timeline. This document allows them to understand what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, and how it should be completed.

• Pipe fitters
• Contractors
• Scaffolding Workers

Marketing: Marketing teams need to have a scope of work in order to ensure that their projects are completed on time and with the expected quality. This document outlines the necessary steps for completing a project from start to finish, making it easier for team members to stay on track.

• Digital Marketing
• Influencers
• Copywriting

So you’ve written your scope of work document, what now?

Easy—you connect it to your workflow in your project management software to start executing the plans you’ve now mapped out. 

With over 15 unique views including Gantt, List, Kanban, Timeline, Calendar, and more, ClickUp makes it possible to visualize your work from every angle. Plus, its dynamic document editor ClickUp Whiteboard , and built-in Docs feature empower teams to act on their ideas the moment they happen.

No matter the size of your team, project style, or budget, ClickUp is the only productivity platform powerful enough to create wall-to-wall solutions for project managers across industries. Access every feature listed in this guide, a vast Template Library , and over 1,000 integrations when you start using ClickUp today .

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How to properly describe future works in Master's Thesis?

I have developed an application for the Master's Thesis. It provides enough functionality for demonstration purposes and to explain the workings of it. However, many other areas (some major, some small) can be improved or are required to be improved in the application. I am mentioning them in future works along with the proposed way to achieve them.

My question is, What approach is the best to mention the missing parts in future works without sounding like that nothing was accomplished or my research was weak while being completely unbiased about my application?

• research-process
• application

Science is never complete. If the work that you have done in your master's thesis has been worthwhile, the most likely outcome will be that other researchers will want to develop your work further. Since this is the standard state of affairs, there is a standard place for describing future work in your thesis. This place is at the end of the Conclusions chapter. If you are writing that chapter well, you can both address future work that remains to be done, and give the impression that the work in your thesis has been worthwhile.

Your Conclusions chapter will start off by recapping what you did in your thesis; a short, high-level summary. Then, you will refer back to the problem statement and substatements you posed in your Introduction chapter (or maybe you put them in a separate chapter; this is also fine). For each problem statement and substatement, you will now methodically describe how the statement has been answered in your thesis, with explicit references to specific evidence in tables, figures, or the text. Once you have described how the problem statements have been answered, you then turn to describing future work, perhaps in a separately numbered subsection of the Conclusions chapter.

By building up your Conclusions chapter like that, you can give proper space and attention to work that remains to be done, while also giving a clear overview of the contributions of your thesis itself. If you refer back to the problem statements at the start of your thesis, you make a very structured impression: the start of the thesis and the end of the thesis are connected, and you summarize what you have done. So you combine sounding unbiased with discussing future work while also keeping the focus on what your research achieved.

• I try to avoid leaving future work to the end of the Conclusions chapter , since that'll end on what's missing, rather than what's achieved. –  user2768 Commented Aug 27, 2020 at 15:24
• First of all, thanks for your answer. I have a results and future works section in the last chapter. In results, I am linking the problem statement with accomplished results. So should I shuffle these sections and put results in last and future works first. –  Jonny_G Commented Aug 27, 2020 at 16:42

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References provide the information necessary for readers to identify and retrieve each work cited in the text .

Check each reference carefully against the original publication to ensure information is accurate and complete. Accurately prepared references help establish your credibility as a careful researcher and writer.

Consistency in reference formatting allows readers to focus on the content of your reference list, discerning both the types of works you consulted and the important reference elements (who, when, what, and where) with ease. When you present each reference in a consistent fashion, readers do not need to spend time determining how you organized the information. And when searching the literature yourself, you also save time and effort when reading reference lists in the works of others that are written in APA Style.

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McKinsey takes a hard look at the energy transition’s hard stuff

August 22, 2024 The McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) has conducted extensive research on the economic, financial and societal aspects of the net-zero transition, working with colleagues from our Sustainability and Global Energy and Materials Practices.

“We wanted to flip the paradigm in this report, and focus on the physical realities—the nuts and bolts—in the ‘here and now,’” explains Tiago Devesa , a senior fellow at MGI. “What are the technologies, supply chains, and infrastructure we need to run the high-performance low-emissions energy system of the future?”

In this post, Mekala Krishnan , the McKinsey Global Institute partner who led the research, and Tiago share what they learned.

The hard stuff: Navigating the physical realities of the energy transition

The energy transition is a physical transformation in its early stages. What challenges lie ahead?

Tell us about the scope of the research—what exactly does the “hard stuff” mean?

Tiago : Our team looked across seven domains that would have to be physically transformed, such as power, industry, and mobility. It’s a landscape with some 60,000 power plants; more than 1.5 billion vehicles on the roads; and 2 million kilometers of oil and gas pipelines. We interviewed our own as well as external experts about topics ranging from exciting innovations in industrial heat in Europe, to new lithium extraction technologies in Argentina, and the latest long-duration energy storage projects in China. We identified the 25 biggest physical challenges—and classified them into three levels of difficulty. So basically we are saying if we want to get the energy transition right, we need to look at its physical realities—the “hard stuff.”

What surprised you in this analysis?

Tiago: A couple things are a bit staggering. There has been tremendous momentum in recent years, especially in wind and solar power, electric cars, heat pumps. Climate finance has started to flow; and many companies have made considerable commitments.

But right now, we're only at about 10 percent of the deployment of ‘physical assets’—technologies and infrastructure—that we will need to meet global commitments by 2050. This is not an abstract dollar number, or goal, or theoretical pathway. It’s the physical world that exists around us today. So, despite all the momentum, we’re still in very early stages of the energy transition.

Mekala: I don't want to underestimate the task at hand: it is a huge bending of the so-called “emissions curve.” But what was fascinating is that of the 90 percent we have left to go, things are evenly split: half of the energy system-related emissions are in what we call “Level 1 and Level 2” challenges—things that are relatively easy to solve; it’s a matter of how to best deploy mature technologies. But the remaining 50 percent are what we call “Level 3—the harder challenges.

Can you give an example of a harder challenge?

Mekala: In some domains, including hydrogen, carbon capture, and industrial production, we’re sometimes at 1 percent deployment or even less of where we will eventually need to be.

For example, many of the technologies to produce low-emissions steel are relatively nascent, with issues to solve. Then there is the challenge of scaling any new technology: we would need to retrofit massive facilities processing millions of tons of steel around the world. Third, we need to solve the adjacent problem of accessing enough low-emissions hydrogen and power, and their respective value chains—inputs that are needed for the manufacturing of decarbonized steel.

This illustrates what makes this work hard. We see this in cement, in plastics, in ammonia: the consistent theme of technology performance gaps, massive scaling needs, and entwined linkages.

But even in the case of Level 3 challenges, there are ways to make progress. For example, producing new, virgin steel in a low-emissions way is difficult, but recycling steel is pretty mature. We've been doing it for decades, it's fairly low-cost. So simply increasing the recycling share of steel can go quite a long way in abating emissions.

We are also seeing many new potential solutions: the Hybrit project in low-emissions steel, LEILAC in cement, and Hubei Yingchang in compressed air storage for long-duration energy storage. The task now is continuing to innovate to improve performance, reduce costs, and scale.

What are some examples of Level 1 challenges or easier wins?

Tiago: The average electric car being sold today can cover the needs of more than 70 percent of households, and high-end models more than 90 percent. There's still work to be done, but we're close there. Another example is air-source heat pumps, which can serve the needs of over 95 percent of the human population no matter where they live.

This is encouraging because these are two of the foundational technologies that we need to decarbonize mobility and buildings.

How are we helping companies interpret this research for their own sustainability work?

Mekala: They can use this understanding of the physical challenges to ask themselves three questions and calibrate their action:

The first is, “Based on Level 1 challenges which are relatively easy to address, what initiatives can I take today that will have an impact?”

A second is, “For our so-called Level 2 challenges, where there are constraints to scaling, where do I expect there to be bottlenecks, or hurdles in the medium-term, and how do we prepare for these?” For example, “how can I plan for a projected shortage in critical minerals in the period to 2030?”

A third question that relates to the very hardest challenges, “Can we play a role here? Where is the potential to create value for our business? And where do we need to innovate on individual technologies and form strategic partnerships to help solve some of them?”

What should readers take away from this work?

Mekala: The more I work on this topic, the more I am fascinated by how, while we can often talk about individual technologies, sectors, companies, or countries, at its core, what we are talking about is a system-wide transformation. I go back to our metaphor: we are not replacing the bulb, we are rewiring an entire house.

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