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Why Projects Keep Inflating and How to Fight It

How to Combat Scope Creep

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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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When there is no clearly-defined and controlled project scope, the project will mutate.

1. Vagueness

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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 LeadershipStakeholders 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

Click here!

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While stakeholders may want the same end product, their motivations vary wildly.

3. Differing Stakeholder opinions

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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 FeedbackIf 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 customersearly and often, so you deliver exactly what they need and want.

Click here!

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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