Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) — Question 346

You are the business analyst for your organization and are with another business analyst, Steve, on the requirements elicitation for a new solution. You warn
Steve that you'll need to be tracing the requirements in an effort to prevent scope creep.
What is scope creep?

Answer options

• A. The scope grows slightly larger as more requirements, often unneeded, are added to the scope
• B. The scope slips on the schedule which in turn delays the project delivery date
• C. Gold plating
• D. The scope shifts from the original intent of the business case

Correct answer: A

Explanation

Scope creep refers to the gradual expansion of a project’s scope due to the addition of new requirements that are often not essential, which can lead to project delays and increased costs. The other options describe different project management challenges: option B relates to schedule delays, option C refers to unnecessary enhancements, and option D indicates a shift in project goals, but none define scope creep accurately.