CAPM Practice: Explain when it is appropriate to use a predictive, plan-based approach

Scope creep refers to uncontrolled expansion of project scope without corresponding adjustments to time, cost, or resources — and crucially, without going through formal change control. It typically occurs when small, seemingly minor additions accumulate, gradually expanding scope without proper authorization or impact assessment.

**Why not B:** Changes requested by the sponsor that are formally approved through change control are legitimate scope changes, not scope creep. Scope creep specifically refers to unauthorized additions that bypass the formal change management process.

**Why not C:** A planned increase in scope approved through change control is a managed scope change, not scope creep. When changes go through proper evaluation, approval, and baseline updates, the project maintains governance and control over scope modifications.

**Why not D:** The natural expansion of scope as the team better understands requirements describes progressive elaboration, not scope creep. Progressive elaboration involves refining and detailing scope within the approved boundaries, while scope creep adds unauthorized work outside those boundaries.