Scope creep refers to an increase in project scope from what was originally agreed upon and occurs when the project scope is not properly defined, documented, or controlled. It is generally considered negative and should be avoided. Scope creep can be caused by poor project management, lack of change control, underestimating complexity, and stakeholders remaining uninvolved. Consequences of scope creep include missing deadlines, increased costs, low return on investment, and potential project cancellation or failure. To avoid scope creep, it is important to get scope approved by all parties, have a detailed understanding of vision, use a work breakdown structure, and have good communication plans. While challenging, scope creep can also trigger innovation.