https://www.wrike.com/blog/main-sources-scope-creep/ - Every project manager dreads scope creep — the phenomenon of a project ballooning in size and scope, while budgets and timelines remain the same. But what is it exactly, how does it get past our defenses, and how do we fight it successfully?

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Why Projects Keep Inflating and How to Fight It
How to Combat
Scope Creep

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A project’s scope is all
about parameters.

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It is a documented set of:
project boundaries, schedules, and
major deliverables.

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But a project’s requirements tend to
grow uncontrollably…
this is
scope creep.

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What are the 4 Sources of
Scope Creep?

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When there is no clearly-defined and controlled
project scope, the project will mutate.
1. Vagueness

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Combat it:
Lay out all project boundaries in the
Project Scope Statement that goes into
the Project Initiation Document.

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2. Weak Leadership
Stakeholders may try to change the scope to suit
their needs if they sense that you lack experience,
or are not a strong project manager.

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Combat it:
Stand your ground
when people demand to
inflate the scope.
Communicate strongly
through body language
during meetings.
And if your meetings are
virtual, keep in mind these
virtual communication tips
Click here!

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While stakeholders may want
the same end product, their
motivations vary wildly.
3. Differing Stakeholder opinions

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Combat it:
Limit the number of
stakeholders.
When demands
increase, determine
their motivations to
arrive at a common
ground.

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4. 11th Hour User Feedback
If you involve your customers late in the
process, they will give you feedback you
didn’t anticipate. Instant scope creep.

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Combat it
Collaborate with
your customers
early and often, so
you deliver exactly
what they need and
want.

14. Click here!
SCOPE CREEP IN ACTION:
One of the worst examples of scope creep is the
Denver International Airport project.
Read our blog post on how scope creep
led to that project’s failure.

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