Managing project scope creep in construction industry

Abstract

Purpose

Project scope creep is a nightmare and nearly intolerable task. Most project managers struggle to curtail the expanse and degree of scope creep. This study examines different likely project scope creep factors associated with the construction industry projects.

Design/methodology/approach

After many brainstorming sessions with construction stakeholders, several project scope creep factors were identified. Then, a detailed survey was executed in big construction projects of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Findings

The results derived and validated five conspicuous factors leading to project scope creep. Respectively, the highest and the lowest impact on project scope appears to be imposed by tasks/specifications and complexity/uncertainty.

Practical implications

It offers crucial support to the project stakeholders in scrutinizing different factors that stand as hurdles to project success and allows them to seek remedies to resolve them.

Originality/value

It is among the first study in the region that identifies and validates the factors that hinder construction project success.

Citation

Ajmal, M.M., Khan, M., Gunasekaran, A. and Helo, P.T. (2022), "Managing project scope creep in construction industry", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 29 No. 7, pp. 2786-2809. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-07-2020-0568