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You will know from experience that the initial size of a project at the requirements stage is different from the final one at completion. Scope creep can lead to delays and cost overruns as the project becomes more complex. The project manager must be firm in order to avoid scope creeps that could threaten the project’s completion. This post will discuss how to avoid creep.
What causes scope creep?
New features can be created by one or more of these factors.
Inadequate scope documentation
Insufficient understanding by the customer prior to the start of the project.
The project manager does not exert enough control.
Communication between stakeholders is not done properly.
Gold plating,Ai is a phenomenon in which project members continue to work in new features of the project that are not in the original scope. This is in the belief that the customer will be pleased with these new features.
How can you stop scope creep?
Before the project can begin, you should outline the scope and get the approval of all major stakeholders. This should be regarded as a binding contract to which all parties must agree.
Divide the project into multiple milestones. Each milestone should have tasks that must be completed. You should also list the deliverables at each milestone’s end. Verify that the milestone is meeting your original plan.
Visually representing project tasks can be done using tools like the RACI matrix or the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). This will help your stakeholders stay on the same page.
Keep track of your project to ensure that all tasks are included in the scope.
Communicate regularly with stakeholders to ascertain progress on the tasks they are undertaking.
Calculate the cost of any additional task that is beyond the scope and inform all stakeholders. If the customer requests it, he/she should remind you of the possibility of an increase in the cost due to the task.
Be aware of the dangers of gold plating. Make sure your developers are aware of the counter-productive nature of this tactic.
Conclusion
Learn to accept it. Sometimes scope creep can happen despite all the planning and best intentions. Accept it if it happens, and if there are valid reasons, don’t be too flexible. You should allow for 10-20% extra delays due to scope creeps in your project plan. Complex projects cannot be planned perfectly.
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