HKSM
Scope Creep
Unmanaged additions or growth of the product or project scope that occur without revising the schedule, budget, or resource commitments.
Key Points
- Often triggered by informal requests, unclear requirements, or stakeholder pressure.
- Happens when changes bypass impact analysis and formal change control.
- Leads to schedule delays, budget overruns, and potential quality issues.
- Prevented by a clear scope baseline, rigorous change control, and proactive stakeholder communication.
Example
Midway through a 6-month CRM implementation, the sales VP asks to add lead-scoring and custom dashboards. The project manager accepts the work without a formal change request or adjusting the budget, timeline, or staffing. The team works overtime, milestones slip, and costs rise. This is scope creep.
PMP Example Question
A stakeholder asks to add several new reports late in execution and insists there will be no change to cost, schedule, or resources. What does this situation most likely illustrate?
- Scope validation
- Gold plating
- Scope creep
- Earned value variance
Correct Answer: C - Scope creep
Explanation: It is uncontrolled expansion of scope without corresponding adjustments to time, cost, or resources.
