The first, and the most important, step in any project is defining its scope. In simple terms, this is a way of identifying the 'long and the short' of a project. What is it that you are trying to achieve? What is the project's objective?

Equally important to consider alongside what is included in your scope is what is not to be included. This avoids the temptation to be too ambitious and helps to set you up for success rather than failure.

There are some key steps within the scoping on which you would be advised to spend some time: 

• Define your overall objective €“ Collect facts, opinions and needs, question assumptions and, if appropriate, perform an overall SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunites, threats). Ensure the objectives conform to SMART criteria (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-framed)
• Determine your available resources €“ What people, resources, finance do you have available to you to achieve the project objective?
• Establish a timeline €“ When does the project have to start and when should it be completed? As you develop your project plan you may wish to include some flexibility or contingencies for unanticipated events
• Assemble a project team €“ Get the people together who you need to work on the project and start a dialogue. They are the technical experts, which is why you have them on your team. It is your job to manage them.