What does the term 'scope creep' refer to?

The term 'scope creep' refers to the gradual expansion of a project's scope without proper approval. This often occurs when new features, tasks, or requirements are added after the initial project scope has been defined, leading to potential delays, increased costs, and project challenges. Scope creep typically arises from a lack of clear project boundaries or insufficient stakeholder management. By allowing additional elements to be introduced without a formal change process, the project may deviate from its original objectives, causing complications and affecting overall project performance. Understanding scope creep is crucial for business analysts to maintain control over project parameters and ensure successful outcomes.