FACTORS AFFECTING SCOPE CREEP IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT: IDENTIFY THE KEY FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO SCOPE CREEP AND EXPLORE STRATEGIES TO PREVENT IT

Project management remains afflicted by scope creep as an uncontrolled project expansion that happens without
sufficient time and budget or resource allocation results in delayed schedules cost overruns and diminished quality
outcomes. The study evaluates both the main causes leading to scope creep together with established methods that
help prevent its development. Prime causes leading to scope creep are detected in the study through poor requirements
gathering at project start and weak stakeholder management coupled with changing client needs and lack of suitable
change control procedures. The fundamental issue is further worsened by external market forces together with
technological progress. This study examines scope creep roots through project management frameworks together with
existing literature and case studies which leads to a complete scope creep comprehension. Project managers receive
practical solutions through the exploration of (1) thorough project scoping (2) stakeholder involvement and (3) strict
change control systems and (4) the implementation of agile project management. The research work strives to create
a connection between theoretical insights and practical usage for projects while developing strengthened planning
methods and implementation strategies.