How Do I Manage Scope Creep with Project Management?
Projects rarely go exactly the way we intend. Once a project is in progress, perhaps you discover that you need to make some tweaks, or a client requests changes. It’s best to be transparent with your client about the effect their requests may have on the project’s timeline, budget, or results, to ensure everyone’s on the same page about how to handle changes.
Scope creep occurs when work expands beyond what was planned, including projected time, budget, or labor. It’s very common and can cause projects to fail, but it is avoidable and fixable, especially when using modern project management tools like what’s available from BQE.
To prevent scope creep, you should clearly define a project's scope upfront, know the early signs of scope creep, and have a backup plan or steps to descope. Establishing a framework to help you prioritize and make decisions around the project scope will help you stay on track to hit your targets.
Project planning software helps you avoid scope creep by streamlining your processes and helping you recognize issues early on. It also makes it simpler for you to communicate updates to all project collaborators and stakeholders.