What is meant by the term ‘scope creep’ in project management?

The term ‘scope creep’ refers to the gradual expansion of a project's scope without any formal changes to the project's parameters or budget. This phenomenon can occur when additional features, tasks, or requirements are added over time, often because of stakeholder requests, shifts in project goals, or poor initial project planning. As these additions pile up, they can lead to increased costs, delayed timelines, and overall project mismanagement if not properly controlled.

In project management, it is crucial to maintain a clear and defined project scope to ensure that all stakeholders have a mutual understanding of what the project will deliver. When scope creep happens, it can derail the original objectives and make it difficult to meet deadlines, leading to potential project failure if not addressed properly. Therefore, understanding and managing scope creep is essential for the successful completion of a project.