What can be done to reduce the disadvantages of reducing project scope to accelerate a project?

Answer 1

The advantage of reducing the project scope can lead to considerable saving in time the project takes to get accomplished and a reduction in overall cost of the project in the area of components and design. An example of this would be in the manufacturing of certain equipment that when designed only has one function instead of multiple. In this case the scope of the project will change to identify one purpose for the project's use which will simplify the work and possibly stream line the product in the manufacturing process. Unfortunately the reduction of the functionality may reduce the value of the project to the consumer in away where it may not meet the consumer's needs. The project must be evaluated to determine which functions are required and which ones are optional. This requires the active involvement of all key stakeholders and members of upper management. More intense re-examination of requirements may actually improve the value of the project by getting it done more quickly and for a lower cost.