Scope Creep

Term Definition
When project scope is not properly identified and defined, or if effective scope management measures are not in place, then a project may be jeopardized due to scope creep. Scope creep refers to gradual incremental expansion of a project’s deliverable due to the introduction of additional requirements without an adjustment of the project’s resources, budget and schedule.

Scope creep can be mitigated by means of proper scope management. Not only should the organization’s scope management process identify and document the scope of a project, it also should include change management directives to lay out how impending changes to a project’s scope are to be addressed.

Regardless of your best efforts, and even after implementing a consistent system to manage change, scope creep remains a potential threat. The following are some of the steps you can take to prevent or reduce scope creep:

• Establish a scope baseline through a Scope Statement signoff before the project begins. New scope baselines can be defined and requirements may evolve naturally, but at least there is reference a point to compare to
• Client may say: “that is not what I wanted” or “that is not what I meant.” - Make incremental adjustments and clarifications as the project moves from concept to reality
• Establish official project milestones and make sure all stakeholders agree (even sign off) when a milestone is reached

There will be resistance to scope freeze—too early and you may have an unhappy customer, too late and the project will be over budget or late. Striking the right balance between the customer’s needs and your ability to deliver on time and on budget is a judgment call; timing varies from project to project, but the scope should always be frozen before a financial commitment is made.

What if a scope baseline cannot be agreed to? One of the following approaches might be helpful:

• Work more with the customer until scope freeze is achieved
• Agree to the work in phases: proceed with partial project execution, clarify and agree to the rest of the scope during the course of the project. Pilot, prototype, or ‘Fit to Business Analysis’ mini-projects are very effective
• Structure the project with many pre-determined milestones and phases of short duration; such a project is far more likely to remain aligned with its ultimate objectives

Related Terms
Project Scope
Scope Management
Project Plan
Scope Change Request

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