What does "scope creep" refer to in project management?

"Scope creep" specifically refers to uncontrolled changes or continuous growth in project scope that occur after the project has officially started, without corresponding adjustments to resources, timelines, or budget. It can manifest through additional features, tasks, or requirements that stakeholders want to incorporate after the project has begun, often leading to confusion and miscommunication among team members and stakeholders.

When scope creep occurs, it typically results in increased costs and delays, as the project team may require additional resources or time to accommodate the expanded set of tasks. This phenomenon can jeopardize the project by stretching the team’s capabilities and complicating the management of project deliverables. Effective project management involves defining a clear scope at the outset and establishing a rigorous change management process to address any potential changes that may arise during execution.