What does "scope creep" refer to in project management?

"Scope creep" refers to the gradual expansion of a project's scope, which often occurs without formal approval or adjustments to the project budget or schedule. This phenomenon is significant in project management because it can lead to increased costs and extended timelines, ultimately affecting the project's success and the satisfaction of stakeholders.

When scope creep occurs, additional features or tasks may be added to the project beyond what was originally agreed upon or documented in the project plan. This can happen for various reasons, such as client requests for more functionality, assumptions about deliverables, or changing project requirements based on stakeholder needs. Without proper management, scope creep can lead to project overruns, where the initial planning does not account for the expanded work, causing budget and timeline overruns.

Understanding scope creep is crucial for project managers, as they need to implement rigorous change control processes and engage with stakeholders to manage expectations, keeping changes within the originally defined scope as closely as possible. It is essential to establish clear communication regarding project objectives and manage any requested changes systematically to protect the project’s integrity.