What could be a consequence of neglecting scope creep in a project?

Neglecting scope creep in a project can lead to increased complexity and costs. Scope creep refers to the gradual expansion of project scope without proper control, often resulting from added features, requirements, or tasks that were not originally included in the project plan. When scope creep occurs, project managers and teams may find themselves overwhelmed by additional work that was not anticipated, which can disrupt project schedules and resource allocation.

As new tasks and changes are added, the need for additional resources—from labor to materials—can increase, leading to higher overall project costs. This means that the project may exceed its initial budget, creating financial strain and necessitating difficult decisions about reallocating funds or reducing other aspects of the project to accommodate the unforeseen expansion. Furthermore, with increased complexity, there’s a heightened risk of miscommunication, delays, and potential project failure if the changes are not effectively managed.

The other options, such as improved team collaboration, reduced need for change orders, or shortened project timelines, do not typically arise from neglecting scope creep. Instead, these situations are generally more indicative of effective project management and control practices, which help keep the project on track and within its original boundaries.