- Scope creep
Scope creep (also called focus creep, requirement creep, feature creep, and sometimes kitchen sink syndrome) in
project management refers to uncontrolled changes in a project's scope. This phenomenon can occur when the scope of a project is not properly defined, documented, or controlled. It is generally considered a negative occurrence that is to be avoided.Typically, the scope increase consists of either new products or new
feature s of already approved product designs, without corresponding increases in resources, schedule, or budget. As a result, the project team risks drifting away from its original purpose and scope into unplanned additions. As the scope of a project grows, more tasks must be completed within the budget and schedule originally designed for a smaller set of tasks. Thus, scope creep can result in a project team overrunning its originalbudget andschedule .If the budget and schedule are increased along with the scope, the change is usually considered an acceptable addition to the project, and the term “scope creep” is not used.
Scope creep can be a result of:
* disingenuous customer with a determined value for free policy
* poorchange control
* lack of proper initial identification of what is required to bring about theproject objective s
* weakproject manager orexecutive sponsor
* poor communication between parties
*Agile software development , based on subjective quantifications.Scope creep is a
risk in most projects. Mostmegaproject s fall victim to scope creep (seeMegaprojects and risk ). Scope creep often results incost overrun . A value for free strategy is difficult to counteract and remains a difficult challenge for even the most experienced project managers.ee also
*
Project management
*Cost overrun
*Creep (project management)
*Instruction creep
*Featuritis
*Megaproject
*Megaprojects and risk
*Mission creep
*Software bloat References
* [http://maxwideman.com/pmglossary/PMG_S01.htm Wideman Comparative Glossary of Project Management Terms] by R. Max Wideman P.Eng. FCSCE, FEIC, FICE, Fellow PMI
External links
* [http://www.pmhut.com/?s=%22Scope+Creep+Part%22 A Comprehensive Series on Scope Creep]
* [http://www.visionarytools.com/decision-making/incomplete-contracts-scope-creep.htm The Creeping Scope - How Accurate can Project Documentation be?]
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