Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes scope creep?

1. The ability to complete a project on time

2. The uncontrolled expansion of project scope

3. The process of managing stakeholder expectations

4. The systematic approach to cost management

The correct answer is: The uncontrolled expansion of project scope

The best description of scope creep is indeed the uncontrolled expansion of project scope. This phenomenon occurs when the project's requirements increase beyond the initially agreed-upon scope without corresponding adjustments to time, resources, or budget. Scope creep often results from a lack of clear project objectives, inadequate change control processes, or stakeholders continuously adding new requirements. When a project's scope expands uncontrollably, it can lead to delays, cost overruns, and overall project failure. It emphasizes the importance of having a well-defined scope and an effective change management process to handle requests for additional features or modifications. Other options address different aspects of project management. While the ability to complete a project on time relates to project scheduling and efficiency, managing stakeholder expectations focuses more on communication and relationship management. A systematic approach to cost management speaks to the financial control of the project, emphasizing budgeting and expense tracking, but does not capture the essence of scope creep as precisely as the correct answer does.