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

The term "scope creep" specifically refers to uncontrolled changes or continuous growth in a project’s scope without adjustments to time, cost, and resources. This phenomenon often occurs when project requirements creep beyond the originally defined objectives, often due to stakeholder requests or poorly defined project boundaries at the outset.

Managing scope is critical to successful project execution because it directly impacts the overall project management triangle of time, cost, and quality. If not addressed, scope creep can lead to significant complications, such as missed deadlines and budget overruns, which can ultimately jeopardize the project's success.

In this context, understanding scope creep is essential for project managers to implement effective change control measures, ensuring that any amendments to the project scope are carefully evaluated and approved, maintaining alignment with the project's goals.