"Scope creep can be a real problem that results in unhappy clients or stakeholders, a blown budget, a compromised timeline, or a combination of these. In my experience, it tends to occur when there is a lot of feedback that the project manager doesn't correctly manage. Feedback is necessary for every project, but as a project manager, I have to realize when feedback breeds additional requests. If it gets to this point, I would go back to our contractual obligations. If the request exceeds the budget we agreed upon, then I will let the client know they will be charged extra. In addition, I would also inform them that we may have to extend the due date.
The way to combat scope creep is to define as much of the budget and milestones at the beginning of the project. As a project manager, it's my goal to manage everyone's expectations as well as I could. As we move forward, I should keep track of the smaller tasks and goals as they are achieved so we don't veer off course. In the instances when scope creep does occur, I move quickly to establish and communicate new expectations."
