Toward Understanding the Underlying Causes of Scope Creep

Abstract

Scope creep is an issue project managers must address across various industries. When scope creep is not addressed, the project becomes troubled or fails. Because scope creep appears to be a challenge for emerging and existing project managers, having an introductory understanding of the underlying causes of scope creep will add to the body of literature with particular focus on providing individuals new to projects a foundation to prevent being part of the problem. This includes new project managers, as well as new stakeholders and leaders who are unfamiliar with how projects operate and are best managed. This literature review provides a summation of an analysis of the underlying causes of scope creep and identifies a host of factors that contribute to it.