Navigating Project Success with BOSCARD

Navigating the realm of project management can be quite a journey, particularly if you are unfamiliar with all the terms, tools, and methodologies. One tool worth getting to know is BOSCARD.

Despite its name sounding rather fancy, BOSCARD is not some membership card, a must-have designer label, incredible cuisine, or a novel cryptocurrency. Instead, it’s a planning tool used in project management to establish comprehensive terms of reference for projects. Consider it your project’s guiding compass offering directions and aiding in your journey.

The acronym BOSCARD stands for Background, Objectives, Scope, Constraints, Assumptions, Risks, and Deliverables.

In the Resources section of this website, there is a downloadable BOSCARD worksheet that can be used in planning what projects to take on and also for documenting the projects your business does. Filling out the worksheet does not have to take very long and can be enough to tell you whether or not you want to take on a proposed project. If you are working with a team or hiring others to assist you, it will be a useful document to share with them to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Let’s look at why it’s so helpful and what these 7 items in BOSCARD will do for you.

1. Background

This is where you address the question, “Why do this project?” It provides the context by outlining business reasons for solving the problem or the opportunity to be seized.

2. Objectives

This section outlines what will be accomplished. It is essential to have measurable objectives that align with the purpose of the project.

Follow the SMART framework ensuring your objectives are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

3. Scope

Here project boundaries are specified. Determine what will be included and excluded. Establishing a scope helps prevent the project from expanding beyond its objectives, becoming too complex or elaborate, and avoiding unnecessary complexities. It’s necessary for determining needed resources, including time for the project.

4. Constraints

In reality, projects are often subject to limitations in terms of time, budget, personnel, or technology. Recognizing and acknowledging these constraints upfront allows for planning and managing expectations.

5. Assumptions

Assumptions are underlying beliefs or conditions that we rely on when planning a project. They may include the availability of team members or your own time to work on the project, the functionality of software to be used, availability of supplies, product delivery capability, etc. It is crucial to document these assumptions so that adjustments can be made if they turn out to be other than expected.

6. Risks

Risks are the potential issues that could derail your project. By identifying them early on, you can make plans for how you will handle them. You won’t be caught off guard unprepared if (when) something goes wrong. You’ll have a backup plan.

7. Deliverables

What is the expected outcome of the project? What value will come from the effort for your business and customers? It’s important to specify this so anyone involved understands what they are working for. What do you expect realistically to achieve? It also helps you know when the product or service is completed and how to determine what level of quality is required.

Why Use BOSCARD for Your Projects?

Its simplicity and effectiveness are what make it so valuable. By addressing these seven areas, you can ensure that everyone involved in your project is aligned and understands its goals, limitations, and potential obstacles. It also keeps you on track. This not only minimizes misunderstandings but also keeps your project focused. That saves significant time and resources. It provides you with documentation for your projects and an ongoing record of your business.

Managing a project can often feel like navigating terrain. With BOSCARD as your compass, you can navigate with confidence. Whether you're overseeing a small-scale endeavor or embarking on a significant business initiative, using BOSCARD to establish terms of reference will make the journey smoother, more predictable, and ultimately more successful.

Why not try it the next time you are considering a new project? There’s a downloadable BOSCARD template in the Resources section of this DigitalBusinessPM.com website. It's worth exploring the difference it can create for your business.

Click the image to go to the Resources page for the downloadable BOSCARD worksheet template in PDF or Word format.

Fantasy image credit: Image by Charnchai Saeheng from Pixabay; edited with BOSCARD template and text by C. A. Steele.