What does the term "scope creep" refer to?

The term "scope creep" refers to the gradual expansion of project scope without proper change management. This phenomenon typically occurs when additional features or tasks are continually added to a project after it has started, often without being documented or formally agreed upon by stakeholders. As a result, the project can drift away from its original goals and deadlines, leading to potential challenges with resources, time management, and overall project delivery.

This understanding of scope creep highlights the importance of effective project management practices, including clearly defined project scopes and robust change management processes. When changes are necessary, they should be examined carefully and documented properly to maintain control over the project’s direction and ensure that it meets its intended objectives within the established timeline and budget.