What is the outcome of effective project scope management?

The correct answer emphasizes the primary goal of effective project scope management, which is to ensure that only the necessary work is included in the project. This involves clearly defining what is within the project’s scope and what is outside it. By establishing precise boundaries, project managers can avoid scope creep — the gradual expansion of project boundaries that can lead to additional work, resources, and time without corresponding adjustments to the project’s constraints.

Effective scope management aids in maintaining focus on delivering project objectives, ensuring that all team members and stakeholders understand what is to be delivered. By doing so, the project remains aligned with its goals and the expectations of stakeholders, ultimately improving efficiency and resource utilization.

While other outcomes such as staying within budget, increasing stakeholder satisfaction, and reducing project timelines can indeed be associated with good scope management, they are often byproducts of successfully ensuring that only the necessary work is included. If the scope is not managed effectively, it can lead to budget overruns, dissatisfaction among stakeholders, and extended timelines. Thus, the primary focus on including only necessary work directly drives these other beneficial outcomes.