In project management, what does scope creep refer to?

Scope creep refers to the uncontrolled growth of project requirements that occur after the initial planning phase. This phenomenon typically happens when new features, tasks, or requirements are added to the project without proper controls or agreement from stakeholders. As a result, the project may not only deviate from its original objectives but can also lead to increased costs, extended timelines, and resource strain.

This uncontrolled expansion often arises from a lack of clear communication and understanding among stakeholders about what the project should deliver, as well as insufficient change management processes in place. Effectively managing scope creep is crucial to ensuring that projects remain on track and that any changes are properly evaluated and approved before implementation. It is imperative for project managers to establish and maintain a clear scope definition and have a structured process for handling changes to that scope to avoid disruptions to the project's success.