How to Combat

Scope Creep

Why Projects Keep Inflating and How to Fight It

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A projects 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 projects 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
didnt 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 projects failure.
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Brought to you by:

www.wrike.com

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