Scope definition

Introduction

A defined collection of tasks makes up the box scope. Tasks can be added to the scope manually or automatically synchronized with Jira or connected tools such as Trello. 

In the scope definition, you can specify what range of tasks is included in the scope of a given box (or a sub-box) - those are the tasks you will be able to work on in the App (visualize them on a Gantt chart manage risks, distribute workload, etc.). You can include multiple Jira projects, simultaneously include tasks from different external tools (such as Trello and Jira), or include only some tasks that meet your particular specifications. The flexibility of the setup ensures that a box can be configured to contain exactly the tasks you need to fit your work. 

Less frequently used settings have been hidden under "Advanced configuration".

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Box types

There are three different options:

• Own scope - the box scope has a separate task structure and is a scope base for sub-scopes. Automatic rules can sync it. Use it when you want to define and extend the scope of a box by selecting tasks from Jira and connected tools. 

• Sub-scope - the box scope is always a subset of the scope already defined at an upper level of the box hierarchy (the upper-level box must have Own scope). It can be automatically synced with a value of a selected field.
  Example: A sub-scope box may be a parent when the box type is SAFe® Agile Release Train (ART). This box type comprises three levels of boxes, and the following structure is possible:
  First-level box: own scope
  Second-level box: sub-scope
  Third-level box: sub-scope
  The second-level sub-scope box is a parent for the third-level box, but the first-level box is always set to own scope).

• None -  the box scope cannot be defined. Currently, you can only use such a box to calculate respective aggregates in the box hierarchy (visible in the Overview module). Use this setting to organize boxes into portfolios, programs, etc. The scope is always a sum of the scopes of the sub-boxes in the box hierarchy.

Security and access

The scope of an individual box can be edited by:

• A box admin

• Jira admin (every Jira admin has full access to the App and can edit the configuration of boxes)

• BigPicture admin (the role of App admin is granted in the App's drop-down > Administration > Security - every App admin can access and edit all boxes in the App)

Method 1: Box Configuration

Go to Box Configuration > Tasks > Scope definition.

See the screenshot

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Method 2: Gantt module

Add task > Manage scope definition.

Method 3: Scope module

Add task > Manage scope definition.

Method 4: Risk module

Add risk > Manage scope definition.

Depending on the box hierarchy and the scope type, the sections on the Scope definition page will differ (remember that every box type has a Scope definition (Box types) settings). A box with two levels of sub-boxes will show all possible sections.

Scope definition elements

Scope of the context box

The scope of the box you're configuring can be managed at the top part of the page.

Scope of the sub-boxes

Depending on the scope type of a child box, you will see:

When a child box functions as a portfolio and has a scope set to "none", you will see the following message:

Switch between levels of child boxes

Basic info and status of child boxes 

Save the scope

The App validates the scope. Saving the scope fails if errors occur.

If you define the scope correctly (all tasks exist, and the filters are not corrupted), the total number of tasks will be displayed.

You will not be able to save the scope if one of the following occurs:

• At least one item in the scope definition is incorrect or doesn't exist (for example, JQL Query is incorrect, Scope Owner doesn't exist, added Project doesn't exist, etc.)

• Private filters are used - the App doesn’t detect private filters.

• The total number of tasks exceeds the task limit set for boxes.

Update the scope

When you update the scope definition, the synchronization will be performed in the background. You can track the progress once you click on the box icon in the top left corner. 

In a new window, you can see the synchronization status in detail. To implement changes, click "Manage scope definition".

Once you save changes, the synchronization stops and starts again from the beginning for the new scope.

Duplicated tasks

When a task is added manually and updated to fit the filter described in the Automatic rules section, it will be classified as a duplicate (alternatively, when the automatic rules are updated and the manually added task now fits the filtering criteria).

Refresh search list

The "Refresh search list" option is useful when you cannot find the project, board, or quick filters on the scope definition page. After pressing the "Refresh search list" button, the screen is disabled for 5 seconds. The option refreshes only projects, boards, and quick filters. 

Scope misconfiguration errors and warnings

While trying to save the scope, you might encounter the following warnings:

• "X tasks in the scope. Synchronization may take a bit longer..."

The warning will appear if the task limit in Technical info is not defined or exceeds 25,000 tasks.

• "Scope misconfiguration! A value with ID '10375' does not exist for the field 'id.' user: (...)."
  In case of Scope Misconfiguration / Scope corruption, visit the following page for troubleshooting instructions. 

The scope is corrupted:

• A scope element (Jira project, filter, board) ceased to exist - JQL used to define box scope leads to a deleted item

• A scope owner no longer has permission to access at least one of the scope elements.

• A scope owner is no longer active (the user account in the connected tool has been disabled)