Scope Creep

Correct Answer: Implement a rigorous change control process

The most effective way to prevent scope creep in a project is to implement a rigorous change control process. This approach ensures that any proposed changes to the project scope are carefully evaluated, documented, and approved before implementation. It helps maintain the project's focus on its original objectives and prevents unauthorized additions or modifications that could lead to delays, increased costs, or resource overallocation. A change control process typically involves: 1. Documenting change requests 2. Assessing the impact on project timeline, budget, and resources 3. Obtaining formal approval from stakeholders 4. Updating project plans and communicating changes to the team The other options are incorrect because: Accommodating all stakeholder requests to ensure satisfaction can lead to uncontrolled scope expansion, potentially compromising the project's success. Extending the project timeline to include all requested changes may result in delays and missed deadlines, affecting the overall project performance and stakeholder expectations. Increasing the budget to cover additional features as they arise can lead to cost overruns and may not address the root cause of scope creep. It can also create unrealistic expectations for future projects.

Correct Answer: Include the client in further project planning meetings and clearly establish change control procedures.

The correct answer is 'Include the client in further project planning meetings and clearly establish change control procedures.' This helps in setting expectations, managing changes, and prevents unwarranted scope creep, by formalizing the process to introduce change. 'Ignore the client's suggestions and continue with the original project plan.' does not solve the issue as it dismisses client's input, which could be valuable, and could lead to conflict. 'Include all of the client's requested features and modifications, despite the impact on the project schedule and budget.' is an impractical approach as it can lead to scope creep, budget overruns, and project delays or even failure. 'Conduct meetings less frequently to reduce the opportunities for the client to offer new ideas.' is also wrong, as it may cause miscommunication or misunderstanding and neglects the client's need to suggest improvements or changes.

Correct Answer: Implement the change control process to assess and evaluate the impacts of these new features.

The best course of action is to implement the change control process to assess and evaluate the impacts of these new features. This allows the project manager to properly understand the scope and impact of the changes, and make an informed decision on how to proceed. Incorporating the additional features into the project adjusting the schedule and resources risks further scope creep and may not address the root cause of the unapproved changes. Removing the additional features from the project continuing with the original plan may be premature without properly assessing the changes and their potential value to the project. Escalating the issue to the project sponsor and requesting additional resources assumes the changes should be incorporated without proper evaluation and planning, and may not be the most effective use of resources.