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Project Management: Avoiding the Perils of Scope Creep

By Dick Weisinger

Scope creep, requirement creep, function creep and feature creep — whatever you call it, it is the bane of many a project.  It’s what happens when a project isn’t completely or properly defined at the start and requests for new features and changes pop up during development.  The usual result of scope creep is missed target dates, lost credibility, and not that infrequently, project cancellation.  But, that’s not always the case.  Sometimes changes can be justified and make good business sense, but this should be an infrequent exception.

How can Scope Creep be avoided or at least managed?  Here are seven rules that will keep your projects on track:

  • Develop clear goals and objectives for the project
  • Identify the project sponsor and assign a project manager
  • Clearly define the scope of work
  • Set realistic milestones and expectations
  • Get written approval of the project plan from the project sponsor
  • Track the work
  • Meet and provide updates regularly
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