The terms Objective and Scope tend to look similar but different. The objective is the final result we wish to achieve by completing a specific process.
Key Takeaways
- Objectives are specific, measurable goals that a project or activity aims to achieve, while scope refers to the overall boundaries and parameters of the project or activity.
- Objectives are time-bound and may be adjusted throughout a project, while the scope is fixed at the outset.
- Objectives focus more on what needs to be accomplished, while the scope is more concerned with what is included within the project or activity.
Objective vs Scope
The difference between Objective and Scope is that the Objective is the final result that is predetermined, and the Scope is the limit to be faced while achieving the results.
Objectives are the collective final results to be achieved while completing a process. Objectives are pre-determined, and the process is directed to achieve them.
Scope determines the path through which an outcome is produced. While completing a project, the content decides the limits to terminate it, and it is essential to analyze the scope of a process before the process gets started.
Comparison Table
| Parameter of Comparison | Objective | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The objective of a project determines the achievements one intends by completing a project. | The scope of a project includes the limitations one has to face during the project. |
| Applicability | The objective determines the output for a desired operation. | Scope determines the range of applicability. What cannot be included is out of the area. |
| Planning phase | During the planning phase, objectives must be known to make a plan. | During the planning phase, the scope is to be analyzed, and according to the area, the plan has to be prepared to achieve the objectives. |
| Clarity | Objectives during a process are clear, and only if goals are clear is the process operational. | Scopes can vary even after a process begins. The content should be pre-determined, but accidental changes are possible. |
| Example | The objective of a homeless person is to buy a new home. | This person’s scope is the amount he has to buy the house. |
What is Objective?
Objectives are the goals to be achieved while a particular process gets completed. Objectives are pre-determined beforehand.
Objectives can be numeral in a single operation. The objectives can be different according to the efforts needed on a project. Every stage during a process may give results to one of the objectives.
The term objective may be analyzed differently in different sectors. Hence the objectives of a business field may not match that of the education sector.
What is Scope?
The scope of a process is the factor that determines the range and the boundary of the process. The process gets the opportunity to flourish only after knowing the size of the process.
The scope of a process should be pre-determined before the operation starts. But the accidental limitations during the process can also not be avoided.
In most situations, the scope is concentrated towards time, resources, and capital investment. Each one of these factors can alter the rest of the factors.
For the practical usage of resources, the scope has to be pre-determined. There should be a backup procedure if any unexpected incidents again limit the range.
Main Differences Between Objective and Scope
- Objectives depend upon scope. If the goal is out of scope, it cannot be implemented using the current resources and time. The scope doesn’t depend upon objectives.
- Objectives are to be planned in the initial phase, but the scope can be altered in any phase, including the initial one.
- http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/objective.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scope_(project_management)
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
Scope may be fixed at the outset, but the discussion about accidental limitations is intriguing.
This has been explained very clearly. The clarity between objectives and scope is crucial for effective project management.
I appreciate the practical examples provided for both objectives and scope.
Thank you for the detailed analysis. It’s useful for those who are new to project management principles.
An informative and well-structured explanation. It’s important to understand these differences clearly in any project.
This is basic knowledge. Anyone in a management role should already know this.
A great breakdown of complex concepts in project management. Very well-stated.
This post is very educational. I appreciate the thought-provoking content.
The commentary about the main differences between objectives and scope is particularly insightful.
I didn’t find this informative at all. Basic project management principles that most people should already know.