How to combat project scope creep

How to Combat
Scope Creep

Why Projects Keep Inflating and How to Fight It
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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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1. Vagueness

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

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

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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.

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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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