Sign in to view more content

Create your free account or sign in to continue your search

Welcome back

By clicking Continue to join or sign in, you agree to LinkedIn’s User Agreement, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Policy.

New to LinkedIn? Join now

or

New to LinkedIn? Join now

By clicking Continue to join or sign in, you agree to LinkedIn’s User Agreement, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Policy.

Skip to main content
LinkedIn
  • Top Content
  • People
  • Learning
  • Jobs
  • Games
Join now Sign in
Last updated on Apr 6, 2025
  1. All
  2. IT Services
  3. Software Project Management

Your software project keeps expanding unexpectedly. How can you control scope creep effectively?

Scope creep driving you crazy? Share your best strategies to keep it in check.

Software Project Management Software Project Management

Software Project Management

+ Follow
Last updated on Apr 6, 2025
  1. All
  2. IT Services
  3. Software Project Management

Your software project keeps expanding unexpectedly. How can you control scope creep effectively?

Scope creep driving you crazy? Share your best strategies to keep it in check.

Add your perspective
Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
14 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Anton Tkachov

    CEO @ Patternica - Software development agency | CEO @ DevHeaven - Top Remote developers for your project

    • Report contribution

    Scope creep is rarely just a project issue - it’s a leadership issue. I know that clarity beats control. Clear business goals, aligned stakeholders, and a strong product owner are your best defenses. Every change request should map directly to ROI. And most importantly: say no more often. Scope doesn’t creep when priorities are non-negotiable.

    Like
    5
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Fiaz Ali Saleemi

    CEO @ Innovazy LLC | Odoo Partner | Digital Transformation | SaaS Development | Staff Augmentation | Recruitment

    • Report contribution

    Ever heard about the strategy "Divide and rule"? Well, this strategy is not only handy in controlling a geographic area, it can be and should be effectively applied in Project Management scenarios too. First and foremost, list your project's major features. Then analyze which features are essential and which can be added later. Now based on this high level analysis divide your project into multiple phases and include essential features in the Phase 1. Next step is to perform the detailed analysis of the features in the first phase, calculate effort, estimate cost and identify the resources required. Once that done, focus on the execution, review program, do the adjustments wherever necessary. Repeat the process for subsequent phases.

    Like
    4
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Dr Saheer Nelliparamban

    Medical Expert Passionate in Fintech & IT | Forbes Business Council | Founder & CEO @ Paywint | Chief Information Officer @ ZilMoney | President of ZilCubator | Doctor | MBBS, MBA | Red Cross Society | Medical Officer

    • Report contribution

    To control scope creep in a growing software project, I start by clearly defining and documenting the initial scope. I set up a change control process where new requests are reviewed for impact before approval. I communicate boundaries early, explaining how changes affect timelines and budgets. If new features are needed, I prioritize them with stakeholders, often deferring lower-priority items. Using project management tools helps visualize progress and the cost of changes. I also document every change to maintain clarity and accountability. This keeps the project focused while managing expectations.

    Like
    1
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Shahjahan Md. Swajan

    Co-Founder & CEO at fredocloud | ExBAT | Innovating SaaS Development & Digital Transformation | Driving Automation, AI, and Generative Solutions

    • Report contribution

    Scope creep: the silent project killer. To tame this beast, start with crystal-clear project definitions and ironclad requirements. Implement a robust change control process, ensuring every new request is scrutinized and approved. Communicate relentlessly with stakeholders about project boundaries and impacts of changes. Prioritize ruthlessly, focusing on must-haves over nice-to-haves. Regular project health checks can catch scope creep early. Use visual tools like burndown charts to keep everyone aligned on progress and remaining work. Remember, saying "no" or "not now" is a crucial skill. It's about delivering value, not checking every box.

    Like
    1
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    David Rodriguez Garcia

    Senior Full Stack Developer | Tech Lead | CTO | API Rest, DJango, Springboot, Nuxt 3 & Vue 3

    • Report contribution

    Escribir siempre las tareas bien definidas, eso ayuda a no tener desviaciones por confusiones. Tener epicas que contengan las tareas aplicadas para conseguir esos objetivos. Filtrar realmente, si las tareas son realmente de valor como para ejecutarlas o simplemente cosas que hariamos si tuvieramos que entretener al equipo... A veces nos cegamos con pedir cosas que no necesitamos que crean nuevas necesidades...

    Translated
    Like
View more answers
Software Project Management Software Project Management

Software Project Management

+ Follow

Rate this article

We created this article with the help of AI. What do you think of it?
It’s great It’s not so great

Thanks for your feedback

Your feedback is private. Like or react to bring the conversation to your network.

Tell us more

Report this article

More articles on Software Project Management

No more previous content
  • External vendors are disrupting your team dynamics. How will you restore harmony and collaboration?

    61 contributions

  • You're juggling long-term project goals and short-term feature demands. How do you find the right balance?

    23 contributions

  • Resource limitations are dragging down your team's morale. What can you do to keep spirits high?

  • Your project is at risk of expanding beyond the original plan. How can you manage client expectations?

No more next content
See all

More relevant reading

  • Software Development
    Here's how you can recover from a failed software release.
  • Software Development
    Your software release timeline faces unexpected delays. How do you handle stakeholder reactions effectively?
  • Software Development
    Your software release deadline is looming. How do you manage client expectations amidst performance issues?
  • Application Development
    What do you do if your software release crashes and burns?

Explore Other Skills

  • IT Strategy
  • System Administration
  • Technical Support
  • Cybersecurity
  • IT Management
  • IT Consulting
  • IT Operations
  • Data Management
  • Information Security
  • Information Technology

Are you sure you want to delete your contribution?

Are you sure you want to delete your reply?

  • LinkedIn © 2025
  • About
  • Accessibility
  • User Agreement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your California Privacy Choices
  • Cookie Policy
  • Copyright Policy
  • Brand Policy
  • Guest Controls
  • Community Guidelines
Like
3
14 Contributions