Question

When talking about capital projects, there is a term that you often hear - "scope creep".  What does this term mean and how can it be prevented? Explain.

Answer 1

Scope creep term means any changes, continuous and uncontrolled growth in scope of project at any point after project begins. Scope creep is generally harmful because company may face scope creep when the scope of any project is not properly defined, documented and controlled. Which means if the scope of project is not properly identified, managed, poorly communicated between parties involved may result into Scope creep and which may affect operational efficiency of company.

To manage the scope creep, first need to understand the caused of scope creep like-

• Absence of clear scope
• non involvement of all parties in project
• Ignorance of issue whenever it happens
• difference of opinion on how to handel the changes in project scope
• Wrong estimations
• non negotiation of new requests etc.

To manage the scope creep following actions are required-

• Defining the clear scope and prioritize it, Create project schedule and document it
• Transparency on plan between all the parties involved in project and verify scope with all the stakeholders
• Be proactive to change
• Analysis of impact
• Set up of project management team to manage any new requirement etc