>> New series 2025: Challenges in project work
Many projects fail not because of a lack of expertise or resources, but because of a gradual shift in objectives – known as scope creep. It often starts innocently enough: a small additional request here, an extra step there. But the consequences are serious: time and budget overruns, frustration within the team, and a project that fails to meet its original objective.
Scope creep occurs when the scope of a project gradually expands beyond what was originally agreed upon—without formal approval or adjustments to the schedule and resources. The causes:
Actively involve stakeholders
Identify all relevant stakeholders at an early stage. Coordinate requirements and prioritize project content together. Early communication prevents misunderstandings and unrealistic expectations.
Define non-goals
Make sure to document what is not part of the project. This distinction creates clarity, protects against additional requirements later on, and facilitates communication during change processes.
Check goals for plausibility
Use established methods (e.g., SMART, MoSCoW, utility analysis) to ensure that project goals are achievable, relevant, and coordinated. Review goals regularly throughout the project and adjust them in a controlled manner.
AI-supported systems can detect scope creep at an early stage and provide support in the following areas:
Analysis of requirements for contradictions or gaps
Automatic detection of creeping changes in the project scope
Simulation of the effects of change requests on resources, budget, and time
As a project manager, you should check the goals defined in the project for plausibility. Use SMART and MoSCoW criteria. Which goals are too vague, contradictory, or overlap with non-goals? How can you make them more specific and clearly defined?
If you would like to learn more about challenges in project work—especially on the topics of unclear project goals, lack of follow-up, unrealistic schedules, lack of decision-making, Conflicts within the team, communication problems and barriers, please take a look at the Expert Knowledge section of our website.
Führen Sie eine retrospektive Analyse aller bisherigen Change Requests durch. Nutzen Sie KI-basierte Textanalyse, um Muster zu erkennen: Welche Art von Änderungen wurde am häufigsten beantragt? Was sagt das über die ursprüngliche Zieldefinition aus?
Scope creep is not a law of nature – it can be controlled. By consistently defining goals, involving all stakeholders, and making targeted use of AI, unwanted shifts in objectives can be avoided. Define clear goals, consciously identify non-goals, and create structures for regular goal reviews – this will keep your project on track.
If you would like to learn more about challenges in project work—especially on the topics of unclear project goals, lack of follow-up, unrealistic schedules, lack of decision-making, Conflicts within the team, communication problems and barriers, please take a look at the Expert Knowledge section of our website.
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