When a project is initiated, and before any particular work commences on it, it is an important consideration that the entire project management team and or the project management team leader be fully aware of and advised of exactly what the predicted and estimated project scope is expected to be. The actual and literal definition of what the term project scope, in terms of project management terminology, is the actual functions, features, and characteristics that make up and delineate the entirety of a particular service, result, or project. The determination of the project scope is essential when it comes to the complete and eventual understanding of how the project should and is expected to proceed, any specific requirements of the final deliverables may contain, and exactly what the staffing and personnel requirements may be as the project moves through each and every phases of its project life cycle. Project scope can be expanded or contracted as is necessary.
This term is defined in the 3rd and the 4th edition of the PMBOK.