Scope creep in software development

Prabhakar, Guru Prakash; Quah, Jennifer

Abstract

This article clarifies the role and effects of scope creep in software development projects. It discusses how scope can be effectively managed to avoid it from “creeping” and reducing chances of project success. By reviewing a range of literary works on the issue of scope creep in the software field, the discussion includes project scoping, common system development life cycle (SDLC) models, change management and control processes. With the appropriate change management procedures in place, scope creep can be effectively controlled instead of allowing it to control the project. Project managers need to adopt a balanced stance when considering change requests so as to reap the benefits while evading the disastrous consequences of scope creep. This article reviews the two schools of thought concerning scope creep and provides an understanding of its true form.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2008
• Journal: Journal of Social Management
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 6
• Pages: 45-59
• Keywords: scope creep, software development, SDLC, change management, change control
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1021271
• Publisher URL: http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&sl=de&u=http://www.bertuch-verlag.com/171-0-Zeitschrift-fuer-Sozialmanagement-.html&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dhttp://www.bertuch-verlag.com%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG%26prmd%3Divns&rurl=translate.google.co.uk&twu=