Scope of Work performed, often abbreviated as SOW, is a document used to define the agreement between a service provider and a client. It outlines the services that will be delivered, the timeframe for delivery, and the payment terms for those services. The SOW is a critical document for ensuring that all parties involved in a project understand the scope of the work that needs to be completed and all of the associated costs.
Creating a scope of work helps to prevent scope creep, which is when the project scope changes without the agreement of all parties involved. This can lead to delayed completion times and increased costs. By clearly defining the scope of the work, both parties can avoid the costs and delays associated with scope creep.
Template and Example
When creating a scope of work, there are some key elements to include. Below is a template and example that you can use as a starting point:
Project Name: _____________________
Scope of Work:
- Service/Product to be Delivered:
- Timeframe for Delivery:
- Payment Terms:
- Other Requirements:
Example:
Project Name: Website Design
Scope of Work:
- Service/Product to be Delivered: Design and development of a website for a business, including a user-friendly interface, graphics, content, and optimization for search engines.
- Timeframe for Delivery: The website will be completed within four weeks of the start date.
- Payment Terms: 50% of the agreed-upon fee will be due upon contract signing ,and the remaining 50% will be due upon project completion.
- Other Requirements: The client will provide all content, including text and images, for the website. The finished website will be tested for compatibility with all major web browsers.
Conclusion
A scope of work performed is an important document that defines the agreement between a service provider and a client. It outlines the services that will be delivered, the timeframe for delivery, and the payment terms for those services. By creating a scope of work, both parties can avoid the costs and delays associated with scope creep.
