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

Scope creep refers to the phenomenon in project management where there are uncontrolled changes or continuous growth in a project’s scope without adjusting the project's resources, timeline, or budget accordingly. This typically happens when new features or requirements that were not initially agreed upon start to be introduced during the project’s execution phase.

This can lead to various issues such as project delays, increased costs, and potential project failure, as the team may struggle to accommodate these changes with the existing plan and resources. Addressing scope creep requires clear communication, well-defined project scope documentation, and a structured change management process to evaluate the impact of any proposed changes.

In contrast, keeping the project within its original budget, increasing project deadlines, or reducing costs do not directly address the phenomenon of scope creep but instead relate to project management challenges that can arise as a result of scope changes. Understanding and managing scope creep is crucial for ensuring that a project stays on track and meets its original objectives.