What is one factor that can lead to scope creep?

Scope creep refers to the gradual expansion of a project's original objectives and deliverables without corresponding adjustments to time, cost, and resources. One significant factor that contributes to scope creep is the lack of stakeholder engagement. When stakeholders are not actively involved or engaged throughout the project, their needs, expectations, or changes in requirements may not be thoroughly communicated to the project team. This disengagement can lead to assumptions being made about their preferences or an incomplete understanding of project requirements, resulting in additional tasks or modifications being introduced after the project has commenced. Such changes can accumulate and cause the project to deviate from its original scope, ultimately affecting timelines and budgets.

In contrast, factors such as well-defined project goals, regular team meetings, and clear communication protocols typically help to mitigate the risk of scope creep. Well-defined project goals provide a clear understanding of what is to be accomplished, while regular team meetings and effective communication facilitate ongoing dialogue and alignment among stakeholders and the project team, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings or misaligned expectations.