In project management, scope creep or feature creep is continuous or uncontrolled growth in a project's scope, generally experienced after the project begins. This can occur when the scope of a project is not properly defined, documented, or controlled. It is generally considered harmful. These harms include overruns in costs, schedule, or both. Though if scope creep is well managed, it can help projects by creating a better final product. Scope creep has at least some presence in every project, and it can endanger many of them. Scope creep is also known as requirement creep, kitchen sink syndrome, mission creep, or feature creep, with the last two relating especially to government/military projects and software projects, respectively. Sometimes, scope creep and feature creep are defined separately, with scope creep referring to scope enlargements and feature creep referring to adding extra features.
Project vagueness or complexity
A factor in scope creep is when an unexpected hurdle comes up, and arguments occur on if the scope of work document covers it. When certain documents are either too technical or lack critical details, scope creep can appear through interpreting these documents. As a project is planned to be longer or more complex, instances of scope creep are more likely, which could harm the project.
Lack of project management practices
Adoptions and adhering to project management practices and project management processes are confirmed methods of preventing scope creep from dismantling the project.
Addition of unnecessary features
Sometimes project teams tend to start adding additional features in order to impress the client. This may not work and tend to cause more work for such project and throw off the scope.
Low cost of change
Scope creep can more easily enter projects while presented as small, simple, and easy to implement changes. However, the volume or actual complexity of these changes can risk project failure. One example is when team members suggest adding new features in the client's presence. Scope creep is a risk in most projects. Most megaprojects fall victim to scope creep (see Megaprojects and Risk). Scope creep often results in cost overrun. A "value for free" strategy is difficult to counteract and remains a difficult challenge for even the most experienced project managers.
Common effects
Risking the project by altering project foundations
Scope is key for defining both the physical facilities and project deliverables, and scope creep changes at least one of them. If the analysis finds no excessive cost, then its implementation can be proposed.