When project costs continually increase throughout implementation due to large or rapid changes in customeror...

Scope creep occurs when the scope of a project expands uncontrollably due to changing customer or user requirements without corresponding adjustments to time, resources, and budget. This phenomenon leads to escalating costs and delays, as new requirements often require additional resources or changes to existing plans. It is distinct from cost-benefit adjustments or prototype issues, which are planned adjustments, and expectations management, which deals with aligning stakeholder expectations.