HKSM

Unmanaged additions or growth of the product or project scope that occur without revising the schedule, budget, or resource commitments.

Key Points

• Often triggered by informal requests, unclear requirements, or stakeholder pressure.
• Happens when changes bypass impact analysis and formal change control.
• Leads to schedule delays, budget overruns, and potential quality issues.
• Prevented by a clear scope baseline, rigorous change control, and proactive stakeholder communication.

Example

Midway through a 6-month CRM implementation, the sales VP asks to add lead-scoring and custom dashboards. The project manager accepts the work without a formal change request or adjusting the budget, timeline, or staffing. The team works overtime, milestones slip, and costs rise. This is scope creep.

PMP Example Question

A stakeholder asks to add several new reports late in execution and insists there will be no change to cost, schedule, or resources. What does this situation most likely illustrate?

1. Scope validation
2. Gold plating
3. Scope creep
4. Earned value variance

Correct Answer: C - Scope creep

Explanation: It is uncontrolled expansion of scope without corresponding adjustments to time, cost, or resources.