What does “scope creep” refer to in project management?

Scope creep refers to the uncontrolled changes or continuous growth in a project's scope without any adjustments to time, cost, or resources. It typically occurs when new features, tasks, or requirements are added to the project after the initial planning phase, often without proper evaluation or approval processes. This can lead to projects going over budget and missing deadlines, as resources are stretched to accommodate the additional work without the necessary adjustments to the project plan.

Understanding scope creep is crucial for project managers and business analysts, as effective management of project scope is essential to ensure that projects stay on track. Proper scope management involves defining and controlling what is included and excluded from the project. This helps to prevent the detrimental effects of scope creep on project outcomes. The focus should always be on maintaining clarity about project boundaries and obtaining necessary approvals for any required changes.