Deal with Scope Creep

Scope creep is an infamous phrase that is as old as projects are. Scope creep can be defined as the unplanned expansion or change of a project after it has been started. How does scope creep arise? Here are some reasons.

The project was not carefully defined at the start. People just started into planning.
There was no consensus or agreement on what was to be done in the project. People just assumed. Like the old saying, “Making assumptions makes asses out of you and me.”
There is lack of communications to detect potential scope creep and change. When change comes, it is often too late to be handled well. Much of the project may have to redone.
There is no method or approach for dealing with changes. It is all ad hoc, reactive mode—deadly. The project leaders lose control.

Many people accept scope creep as a fact of life in every project. However, it does not have to be this way. If you carefully plan and keep people informed as well as make provisions for dealing with change when it comes, it can be managed better.

Some useful guidelines for dealing with scope creep are the following:

Planning for the project. In the second chapter, the project concept was presented as something that is essential to get consensus and understanding of purpose, scope, issues, and other factors.

Extensive informal communications. This is stressed in Chapter 9. By communicating with both headquarters and field locations, you can pick up on potential factors that could affect the international project.
Contingency planning for potential changes. At the start of the project, you should express the idea that people will want to make changes. Indicate that this is natural. However, also tell them that the following questions will have to be addressed. Then when someone proposes a change ask the questions. It is also a good idea to run through several examples of change so that they fully understand the process to be followed.
- What is the change?
- What other changes are there?
- What are the business and political factors behind the change?
- What will happen if the change is not carried out in the project?

Periodic review of scope. Sit down with the team and review the project with the view of detecting potential changes.

Deal with Scope Creep

Deal with Scope Creep

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