What is "scope creep" in project management?

Scope creep in project management refers to the uncontrolled changes or continuous growth in a project's scope that occurs without adjustments to resources, time, or budget. This phenomenon typically arises when new features or requirements are added to the project without proper evaluation and approval.

The correct understanding of scope creep emphasizes how it can lead to a variety of challenges, including project delays and budget overruns, as the project team may struggle to meet the new demands without additional resources or time. Effective project management strategies typically involve well-defined scope statements, rigorous change control processes, and clear communication with stakeholders to prevent such uncontrolled alterations.

While an increase in project funding, a reduction in team size, or a change in delivery date may reflect shifts within the project, they do not inherently capture the essence of scope creep. Instead, they may result from or contribute to scope creep, but they do not define it as clearly as the understanding of uncontrolled changes adding to project scope. Thus, recognizing scope creep as these unmanaged modifications is central to effective project planning and execution.