The Impact of Scope Creep on Project Success of Software Project in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Scope creep, defined as the uncontrolled expansion of product or project scope without corresponding adjustments to time, cost, and resources, poses a significant challenge in software development projects. It is a leading cause of project failure, contributing to the downfall of nearly 80% of unsuccessful software projects. This quantitative study investigates the critical impact of scope creep on the success of software development projects in Sri Lanka. The primary objective is to identify and quantify the key factors that contribute to scope creep and evaluate their influence on project outcomes, including time, cost, quality, and stakeholder satisfaction. A comprehensive dataset was collected from various software development projects across multiple industries in Sri Lanka. The data encompassed variables such as project scope, timelines, team size, budget allocation, user involvement, and documented instances of scope creep, including changes in requirements, feature additions, and uncontrolled expansions. The study also addresses significant research gaps by examining how effective scope management practices influence project success. The findings offer valuable insights for stakeholders, including developers, engineers, project managers, and team members, providing practical recommendations for improving scope management frameworks. By identifying best practices for controlling scope creep, this research aims to help organizations enhance their project success rates in Sri Lanka's dynamic and evolving software development landscape. Ultimately, this study contributes to the field of software project management by offering a deeper understanding of scope creep and its implications, supporting more effective and sustainable project management practices.