What is "scope creep" in project management?

Scope creep refers to the gradual addition of new tasks, features, or deliverables to a project after the initial scope has been defined, without adjusting the project's budget, timeline, or resources. This phenomenon can occur due to various reasons, such as unclear objectives, miscommunication among stakeholders, or a lack of strict change control processes.

When scope creep happens, it can lead to project delays, budget overruns, and overall project failure, as the team may find themselves overwhelmed by unplanned work that detracts from the original goals. Recognizing and managing scope creep is crucial for maintaining a project’s original scope and ensuring that all stakeholders remain aligned with the project's objectives.

The other options do not accurately describe scope creep. The expansion of project tasks without adjusting the budget pertains to an aspect of scope creep but does not encompass the full definition. Simplifying project objectives may be a strategy to combat complexity but does not relate to scope creep. Dismissing unnecessary project tasks is a proactive management technique but does not capture the essence of scope creep, which is more about unplanned additions rather than the removal of tasks.