Werkomvang

Werkomvang, the Dutch term for scope of work, is a documented description of the work to be performed in a project or contract. It outlines what is included and what is excluded, and serves as the basis for planning, budgeting, and evaluation.

The purpose of werkomvang is to align stakeholders, provide clear contractual and procurement terms, and establish a framework to manage changes. A well-defined werkomvang helps prevent scope creep by specifying requirements, deliverables, acceptance criteria, and the boundaries of the work.

Typical content includes: project objectives and goals; deliverables and required outputs; detailed work activities and tasks; milestones and schedule with deadlines; quality, performance, and technical standards; interfaces and dependencies with other systems or teams; constraints such as budget, time, or resources; assumptions and risks; exclusions and non-deliverables; roles and responsibilities; and a formal change control process for any alterations to the scope.

Derivatives and related concepts include the scope of work used in tender documents and contracts, and its relationship to a work breakdown structure (WBS) and overall project scope. It is usually prepared in the initiation phase of a project or procurement, reviewed and approved by responsible parties, and maintained through formal change requests that assess impact on cost, time, and quality.

Good practice emphasizes specificity and measurability: avoid vague language, include verifiable acceptance criteria, reference applicable standards, and ensure version control. A clear werkomvang supports effective risk management, fair pricing, and successful delivery.