In cost estimating, what does the term "scope creep" refer to?

The term "scope creep" specifically refers to the phenomenon where there are uncontrolled changes or continuous expansion in a project’s scope without corresponding adjustments to project timelines or resource allocations. This often occurs when additional features or tasks are added to the project after it has already begun, typically without thorough assessment of the impacts on the overall project plan.

This situation can lead to increased costs and delayed delivery since additional requirements may not have been accounted for in the original budget or schedule. Effectively managing scope creep is crucial for ensuring that a project remains on track and within budget. By recognizing and addressing these changes systematically, project managers can maintain better control over project outcomes and avoid potential pitfalls associated with unplanned modifications.

In contrast, reducing project scope to save costs is not considered scope creep; rather, it is a strategy to manage the project more effectively within financial constraints. A formal change order process is a structured method of managing scope changes, allowing for formal documentation and agreement on modifications, which counters the notion of uncontrolled changes inherent in scope creep. Unexpected delays in project timelines might be consequences of scope creep but do not encapsulate the concept itself as it pertains specifically to changes in project scope.