In project management, what does the term "scope creep" refer to?

Scope creep refers to the uncontrolled expansion of a project’s scope. This typically occurs when new features, tasks, or requirements are added after the project has already begun, without proper control or adjustment to time, cost, and resources. It is often a result of changing client requirements and can lead to overrun budgets, extended timelines, and resource strain as the project team works to meet these unplanned additions.

Understanding scope creep is crucial for project managers as it emphasizes the need for a clear scope definition, ongoing scope management, and the importance of following established change control processes. By recognizing and addressing scope creep early on, project managers can better maintain control over their projects and ensure that they deliver the expected outcomes within the original parameters.