Scope creep is the uncontrolled expansion of a project’s scope, often leading to delays, budget overruns, and reduced quality. It occurs when changes are made to the project’s requirements or deliverables without a formal change control process. Avoiding scope creep is crucial for successful project management.
The negative impacts of scope creep can be substantial. Projects that experience scope creep often face increased costs, missed deadlines, and decreased customer satisfaction. In extreme cases, scope creep can lead to project failure.