What Are The Causes of Scope Creep? 2/5
There are a number of reasons why Scope Creep occurs. These include:
- 2.1 Poorly detailed Project Scope Statement in the Project Initiation Document
- 2.2 Poor Project Management Requirements have been delivered
- 2.3 Poor control of the Project by the Project Manager
- 2.4 Indecisive Project Stakeholders
- 2.5 Too many Project Stakeholders who have differing priorities and objectives
This is the first project document where project scope is detailed. Too many Project Managers skim over this to their detriment, as this is the number one reason for scope creep. After all if the project scope isn't accurately detailed within the PID, how can anyone really say what was in and out scope for the project to deliver? I have documented how to correctly fill in this section of the
Project Initiation Document above.
2.2 Poor Project Management Requirements
These are usually documented by Business Analysts. However if not correctly detailed the
Project Management Requirements will be both ambiguous or open to interpretation. Worst still the Business Analysts may have forgotten to document the requirements in a few key areas.
2.3 Poor control of the Project by the Project Manager
The weaker a Project Manager is perceived to be in terms of gravitas and experience, the more Project Stakeholders and others will try to shift the goal posts on project scope.
2.4 Indecisive Project Stakeholders
You may be surprised to learn that Project Stakeholders are often indecisive regarding the functionality and scope they require. This indecisiveness usually translates itself into requirements and scope changing.
2.5 Too many Project Stakeholders who have differing priorities and objectives
Most projects have more than one Project Stakeholder. They often have different priorities and objectives. For example you could have a Project Stakholder from Marketing and another from Finance. Both want the project to deliver the same end result but they both have different reasons why. This often leads to arguments regarding prioritisation of functionality to be delivered as well as an ever moving project scope.
Causes of Scope Creep - Tip
By ensuring Scope is properly detailed in the Project Initiation Document and that the Project Requirements are accurately documented an experienced Project Manager can significantly reduce the causes of Project Scope Creep.
