What does "scope creep" refer to in project management?

"Scope creep" refers specifically to incremental changes to project requirements without proper control or approval. This phenomenon often occurs when project teams add features or functionalities that were not included in the original project scope. Such changes can lead to project delays, budget overruns, and can ultimately affect overall project success.

Scope creep typically arises when there is insufficient initial documentation or stakeholders request additional work as the project progresses without a formal process to evaluate and approve these changes. By understanding this concept, project managers can better guard against uncontrolled changes and maintain the integrity of the original project plan, ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget.

While changes in timelines, resource allocation, or stakeholder involvement may occur during a project, they do not define the specific issue of scope creep. Only uncontrolled and unapproved incremental adjustments to the project's defined scope directly represent this concept.