Aejaz ShaikhPM I| Alyx Technologies India Pvt LtdPune, Maharshatra, India
How to handle Scope Creep and at the same time bring this to the notice of the senior management and the stakeholders concerned for timely action. Saving Changes...
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Eric SimmsSenior Program ManagerBaltimore, Maryland, United States
A Scope Management plan should detail how scope changes are to be handled. Was one created for this project? Usually all scope changes have to be approved by a change control board, which authorizes which scope changes will be included in the project.
Bring scope creep to the attention of senior management and stakeholders by informing them of the changes to the scope that have occurred, and the resulting impact on the project. If, for example, the scope changes will add 6 months to the project and increase its cost by $800,000 USD, people will quickly realize the danger of unregulated scope creep, and will make decisions on what scope they really want to add to the project. Saving Changes...
Eric SimmsSenior Program ManagerBaltimore, Maryland, United States
Do you know why the scope creep is occurring? Many people believe new scope can easily be included in a project that’s already underway – much like asking someone already going to the grocery to pick up a few extra items. If this is causing the scope creep, then you need to inform people that even small scope changes can have severe impacts on the project.
If the scope creep is occurring because stakeholders are being sneaky (Executives intimidating project team members into adding new scope, for example), then you need to empower the team to refuse all scope changes that don’t come from the Project Manager. It’s difficult for some employees to outright refuse an Executive, so tell the team to inform the Project Manager about all unauthorized scope change requests, and it’ll be the Project Manager’s responsibility to speak to the requester about them. Saving Changes...
Jess De OcampoLean Six Sigma Professional/Project Manager/Consultant/| .Manila, Ncr, Philippines
Scope creep happens when the scope baseline of a project is not properly defined, documented, or controlled and the stakeholders' vision was not clearly defined.
When scope creep happens, always reference to your project charter. This is the contract between the stakeholders and the project team. The project charter acts as the reference point through the project life.This is the document where all the details/specifics of the project are outlined, agreed upon and signed by BOTH parties BEFORE the project kick-off. It documents the problem statement, business case, project scope baseline, limitations, constraints, project charter creation date, project start date and project target completion date (timeline); expected business benefits/milestones, champion/stakeholder, team members, risk assessment, budget, resources and requirements needed and so on. The project charter would serve as your blueprint on how to map out, execute, implement your project management plan.
Therefore, you have to discuss with your stakeholders the scope baseline of the current project. Stick to it to complete the project. We are not advised to compromise the timeline, resources, schedule and the quality of work just to please the client. It is a matter of learning to say, "NO."
Other options/alternatives:
1. If this is a BIG project, we usually advise the stakeholders that any additional changes/demands NOT documented in the project charter would be considered ANOTHER project so as not to delay the project schedule, jeopardize budget/cost, project completion, etc.
2: Accommodate scope changes only if the additional demands of the stakeholders has a MINIMAL effect/risk on the project, then, we discuss this with the stakeholders. The project charter will revised to accommodate the additional changes/demands subject to approval by both parties.
For example, the stakeholders requested additional project inputs/gains, we negotiate to adjust the timeline, schedule to accommodate the changes. Saving Changes...
S RajasekarSenior Project Manager| AllscriptsBangalore, Karnataka, India
Status report should have planned vs actual. This should highlight scope creep and if it is above acceptable threshold should process through change control, even if it is in acceptable range need to highlight. Saving Changes...
Igor ZdorovyakDirector of Projects| ImmunovantFair Lawn, Nj, United States
Hi Alejaz,
If your scope has started to creep. The way to handle it through change control. That way you show that stakeholders concerns are being addressed. As you provide status and go over change control senior management would be aware of the scope changes and the reason for those changes. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Fully agree with Igor. The only thing that works is change control process. All changes are wecome but everybody must be aware on the process to follow to accept the change. The important thing is: you, as project manager, are no in charge to decide about the change. Saving Changes...
