What can be a consequence of a poorly defined project scope in agency operations?

A poorly defined project scope can lead to scope creep, which refers to the uncontrolled expansion or alteration of project objectives and deliverables beyond the initially agreed-upon limits. When the scope is not clearly established, stakeholders may continuously request additional features, changes, or work that were not part of the original plan. This can result in multiple complications for the project.

One significant consequence is the disruption of project timelines, as the team must spend time accommodating these new requests rather than focusing on the originally defined tasks. This also impacts the project's budget, since additional resources may be needed to address the expanded scope, leading to potential cost overruns. Hence, without a clear project scope, the risk of scope creep undermines the project's overall success and can jeopardize the timely delivery of services and satisfaction of stakeholders.