How use cases can help us understand and manage project scope

In Use Cases Part II: Taming Scope, Norm Carr and Timothy Meehan demonstrate several advantages of using the use-case driven approach to establishing project scope and requirements over more ad hoc practices:
  • The diagrammed model quickly communicates the scope “story” in an accessible way. Everyone involved has a common foundation for the discussion of architectural and design options.
  • When resources are limited (when aren’t they?) the use-case model helps us make intelligent decisions about implementation priorities.
  • The effects of requested changes and enhancements on the overall level of effort can be assessed objectively.
  • A modular design framework has been established up-front.