In the project scope management knowledge area, Verify Scope is a formal process carried out with the customer or sponsor. What is the main purpose of the Verify Scope process?

Introduction / Context:
Scope management ensures that the project includes all the work required, and only the work required, to complete the project successfully. Within this knowledge area, Verify Scope is a distinct process that focuses on formal acceptance. Understanding this formal acceptance step and how it differs from planning and control processes is critical for both the exam and practical project work.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The process in question is Verify Scope. - It is performed with the customer, sponsor, or other key stakeholders. - The question is asking for the main purpose of this process. - Standard PMI scope management terminology applies.

Concept / Approach:
Verify Scope involves reviewing deliverables with the customer or sponsor to ensure that they have been completed satisfactorily and obtaining formal acceptance of those deliverables. It usually results in accepted deliverables and may also identify requested changes. This process is distinct from Control Scope, which focuses on managing changes to the scope baseline, and from Create WBS or Define Scope, which are planning processes.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Verify Scope is conducted after deliverables have been created and checked internally. Step 2: Understand that its primary output is acceptance of these deliverables by stakeholders. Step 3: Compare each option and look for the one that emphasizes formal acceptance of the project scope and deliverables. Step 4: Select the option that clearly specifies obtaining formal acceptance from stakeholders.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, consider the difference between Verify Scope and Control Scope. Control Scope ensures that changes to the scope are processed properly, while Verify Scope ensures that completed work meets the agreed requirements and is officially accepted. This confirmation step is crucial at the end of phases or for key deliverables. Therefore, the correct option must mention formal acceptance rather than decomposition or change control.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A is wrong because progressive elaboration and documentation of project work belong to scope planning and definition, not to Verify Scope. Option B is wrong because subdividing deliverables into smaller components is the purpose of the Create WBS process. Option D is wrong because influencing factors that create scope changes and controlling changes is the goal of the Control Scope process, not Verify Scope. Option E is wrong because Verify Scope does not create scope management plans for future projects; it focuses on acceptance of current project deliverables.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners confuse Verify Scope with quality control, assuming that checking deliverables for defects automatically means they are accepted. In reality, internal quality control should precede scope verification, and formal acceptance is a separate step. Another pitfall is mixing up Verify Scope and Control Scope, which deal with acceptance versus changes. Project managers should ensure they schedule time for formal acceptance with customers, not just technical verification.

Final Answer:
The main purpose of Verify Scope is to obtain formal acceptance of the completed project scope and deliverables from the stakeholders.