How is "scope creep" best defined?

Scope creep is best defined as the uncontrolled expansion of project scope without adjustments to time, cost, and resources. This phenomenon typically occurs when new features or requirements are added to the project after it has already begun, often without proper review or approval processes to assess the impact of these changes. As a result, the project's original objectives can be undermined, timelines can slip, and budgets can be exceeded, which poses significant risks to successful project completion.

Understanding scope creep is crucial for business analysts and project managers, as it highlights the importance of clearly defining project boundaries and managing stakeholder expectations. In contrast, the other provided options do not accurately capture the essence of scope creep: formal approval of changes, regular milestone reviews, and closing project tasks are all essential project management practices but do not pertain to the uncontrolled expansion of project parameters.