Scope creep, sometimes known as "requirement creep" or "feature creep" describes the phenomenon of project requirements expanding beyond their original scope as the project progresses. This expansion can manifest in various ways, such as transforming a single deliverable into multiple ones, increasing the essential features of a product from five to ten, or reevaluating requirements due to changing customer needs. So let's explore the causes of scope creep and check practical tips for preventing it. While scope creep can lead to delays and additional costs, it is not always detrimental. Customers' needs may evolve over time, necessitating adjustments to the project scope. Consequently, a competent project manager should anticipate and prepare for scope changes. Managing project scope involves implementing controlled and documented procedures for incorporating changes, rather than allowing uncontrolled creep to occur.
Monitoring and controlling project changes involves a systematic approach to track the project's status and baseline scope. The process includes the following steps:Tracking Project Status: Regularly monitor the project's progress, including the deliverables, schedule, and costs. This helps to establish a benchmark against which changes can be evaluated.
Variance Analysis: Perform a comparative analysis of actual performance measurements with the baseline scope. Identify any variances or deviations to understand the extent of the changes.
Identifying Causes and Degrees of Changes: Investigate the reasons behind the variations and assess their impact on the project. Determine the root causes and evaluate the degree of change required.
Corrective or Preventive Action: Based on the analysis, decide whether corrective or preventive actions are necessary to address the changes. Implement appropriate measures to bring the project back on track.
Perform Integrated Change Control: Manage and approve changes through a formal change control process. This involves evaluating the impact of changes on the project's scope, schedule, and cost, and obtaining necessary approvals from stakeholders.
Updating Baseline and Communication: If approved changes affect the project's scope and cost, update relevant documents such as the scope statement, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and cost baseline. Communicate the updated information to stakeholders to ensure alignment and understanding.
By following this process, project managers can effectively document and communicate changes, ensuring that they are managed in a controlled and structured manner.