International Project Management Association (IPMA) Practice Exam

What is the leading cause of scope creep in a project?

1. Too many levels in the WBS

2. Unclear product characteristics

3. Highly detailed specifications

4. Unskilled team members

The correct answer is: Unclear product characteristics

Scope creep refers to the gradual expansion or changes to project scope without corresponding adjustments in time, cost, or resources. One of the primary reasons for scope creep is unclear product characteristics. When project requirements are not well-defined or understood, it leads to ambiguity about what is expected. This uncertainty can drive stakeholders to request additional features or modifications as the project progresses, sometimes based on evolving needs or misunderstandings of the original intent. When the characteristics of the project’s deliverables are not clearly articulated, it opens the door for additional requests and modifications, which can compound over time. Without a solid understanding of the intended outcomes, project managers and teams may find themselves constantly adapting to new demands, contributing to an expanding scope that was not initially planned. In contrast, having too many levels in the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), highly detailed specifications, or unskilled team members may present challenges but are not the root causes of scope creep. A complex WBS might make tracking and reporting difficult, but if the product characteristics are clear, the project can still stay on course. Detailed specifications can reduce misunderstandings if they are aligned with clear product characteristics. Lastly, unskilled team members may execute poorly but will not inherently cause the project to deviate in scope