What is scope creep?
Explanation: The selected answer, ‘A project’s scope grows — either continuously or at random — as the project progresses,’ accurately defines scope creep. Scope creep refers to the gradual or unplanned expansion of a project’s scope beyond its original objectives and requirements as the project progresses. This phenomenon often occurs due to evolving stakeholder expectations, changing project priorities, unclear project scope definition, or inadequate change control processes. Scope creep can lead to project delays, budget overruns, and decreased quality, as additional tasks or features are introduced without corresponding adjustments to resources, timelines, or project plans. Effectively managing scope creep requires vigilant project monitoring, clear communication, and proactive scope management strategies to prevent unauthorized scope changes and ensure project success. Therefore, recognizing and addressing scope creep early in the project lifecycle is essential for mitigating risks and maintaining project alignment with stakeholders’ expectations and organizational objectives.