What is scope creep in project management and how can it be effectively managed to ensure project success?

Scope creep in project management refers to the gradual expansion of a project's goals, requirements, or deliverables beyond what was originally planned. This can lead to delays, increased costs, and decreased quality. To effectively manage scope creep, project managers should establish clear project objectives, communicate with stakeholders regularly, prioritize requirements, and implement change control processes to evaluate and approve any changes to the project scope. By staying vigilant and proactive in managing scope creep, project success can be ensured.