How do you plan and scope a network project with multiple stakeholders?

Planning and scoping a network project with multiple stakeholders can be challenging, but also rewarding. A network project involves designing, installing, configuring, and maintaining a communication system that connects different devices, locations, and users. A network project may have multiple stakeholders, such as clients, end-users, vendors, contractors, managers, and engineers, who have different needs, expectations, and perspectives. How do you plan and scope a network project with multiple stakeholders effectively and efficiently? Here are some tips and best practices to help you.

1 Identify the project goals and scope

The first step in planning and scoping a network project is to identify the project goals and scope. What are the main objectives and deliverables of the project? What are the technical and business requirements? What are the constraints and risks? You need to define the scope clearly and precisely, and document it in a scope statement or a statement of work (SOW). A scope statement or a SOW should include the project description, scope boundaries, assumptions, exclusions, acceptance criteria, and roles and responsibilities.

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Chris Gascon

Head of Infrastructure Engineering @ Guardant Health
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It's not just about planning the logistics or defining the scope, but more about understanding and harmoniously aligning the unique perspectives, demands, and expectations of each stakeholder. It all boils down to effective, empathetic communication - a kind that doesn't just seek to relay information but strives to understand others viewpoints. Add to that the commitment to maintain transparency, and a knack for anticipating challenges, and you've got yourself a recipe for project success. Remember, the network you're building isn't just about the interconnection of devices, but about fostering connection and collaboration among your user community.

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2 Engage with the stakeholders

The second step in planning and scoping a network project is to engage with the stakeholders. You need to communicate with the stakeholders regularly and effectively, and understand their needs, expectations, and feedback. You also need to manage their expectations and resolve any conflicts or issues that may arise. You can use various tools and techniques to engage with the stakeholders, such as stakeholder analysis, stakeholder register, stakeholder map, stakeholder matrix, communication plan, and stakeholder meetings.

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3 Define the project activities and resources

The third step in planning and scoping a network project is to define the project activities and resources. You need to break down the project scope into manageable tasks and subtasks, and assign them to the project team members. You also need to estimate the time, cost, and quality of each task, and create a realistic schedule and budget. You can use various tools and techniques to define the project activities and resources, such as work breakdown structure (WBS), network diagram, Gantt chart, resource allocation, and risk management.

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Aaron Brown

Senior Network Engineer CMNA at Premier Health Partners working on CCNP
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Defining the activities and resources can be tricky. Experience is the ultimate teacher for this phase. I’m also a fan of giving room to newer engineers to help lead, learn, make mistakes, and find creative ways to address those mistakes. In my experience, most projects underestimate the amount of resources needed. Planning for 20%-30% higher than expected can help ensure proper breathing room for scope creep.

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4 Design the network solution

The fourth step in planning and scoping a network project is to design the network solution. You need to design a network solution that meets the project goals and scope, and satisfies the stakeholder requirements. You also need to ensure that the network solution is scalable, secure, reliable, and efficient. You can use various tools and techniques to design the network solution, such as network topology, network architecture, network protocols, network devices, network security, and network testing.

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5 Implement the network solution

The fifth step in planning and scoping a network project is to implement the network solution. You need to install, configure, and integrate the network devices, components, and services according to the network design. You also need to test, troubleshoot, and optimize the network performance and functionality. You can use various tools and techniques to implement the network solution, such as network documentation, network configuration, network monitoring, network analysis, and network troubleshooting.

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Tania Jareen

Faculty at Wichita State University | Cybersecurity | Computer Network | Empowering the Next Generation of Tech Leaders
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In addition to this, I think, It is crucial to have a well-defined contingency plan in place in case the desired results are not achieved after implementation. Having a fallback option is essential, and it should be clearly outlined to effectively mitigate risks and address potential setbacks. This involves identifying potential obstacles or points of failure and developing actionable steps to overcome them. The fallback option should be clearly documented, outlining specific actions, resources, and stakeholders involved. By doing so, you provide a roadmap for navigating unexpected circumstances, allowing for timely decision-making and minimizing disruptions.

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6 Close the network project

The sixth and final step in planning and scoping a network project is to close the network project. You need to verify that the network solution meets the project goals and scope, and complies with the acceptance criteria. You also need to deliver the network solution to the stakeholders, and obtain their approval and sign-off. You can use various tools and techniques to close the network project, such as project closure report, lessons learned, feedback survey, and project evaluation.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Joseph Everett

Senior Management | Servant Leader | Coach | Team Builder | Recruiter | P&L | Effective Negotiator | Program Manager | Telecom Expert
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In step 2 it’s important to not only control the output of the steak-holders, but you need their buy in on their specific output. Once you have their buy in, it becomes a team effort and helps create team solutions to fill in any missing project gaps in the network plan. It also helps build a trust factor among peers for a true team spirit to get the project done on time within the defined scope.

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How do you plan and scope a network project with multiple stakeholders?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify the project goals and scope

2 Engage with the stakeholders

3 Define the project activities and resources

4 Design the network solution

5 Implement the network solution

6 Close the network project

7 Here’s what else to consider

Network Engineering

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How do you plan and scope a network project with multiple stakeholders?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify the project goals and scope

2 Engage with the stakeholders

3 Define the project activities and resources

4 Design the network solution

5 Implement the network solution

6 Close the network project

7 Here’s what else to consider

Network Engineering

Rate this article

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