Most projects do not fail because of what they include, but because of what quietly gets added later. The In/Out-Frame puts a clear fence around your projectA unique, temporary endeavor with a defined goal that is important, urgent or complex enough to need its own organization outside the normal line organization. Click term for full definition. Watch the short video, then work with the toolkit PDF: it explains the method, shows a worked example and gives you a blank template to fill in.
Tool video
The short tool video will appear here.
In/Out-Frame in short
- Draw a frame. Write “In” inside and “Out” outside, or use three columns: In, Out, ?.
- Collect items. Brainstorm processes, locations, products, customer groups and deliverables.
- Sort each item. Place it in, out or in the question mark column.
- Clarify the question marks. Decide each open item together with your sponsor.
- Record the result. Copy the final lists into your project charterThe official document that authorizes a project. It defines the problem, goal, scope, team and milestones, and is approved by the sponsor. Click term for full definition.
Key points
- In-Frame: what the project will deliver.
- Out-of-Frame: what it will explicitly not do.
- Clarify open items with your sponsor.
- Record the agreed scope in your charter.