What does 'scope creep' refer to?

Scope creep refers to the unauthorized changes or continuous growth in the project scope, which can significantly impact a project's timeline, resources, and overall success. When scope creep occurs, it often results from stakeholders requesting additional features or changes after the project has begun, without properly assessing the implications on time, cost, and resources. This can lead to project delays, increased costs, and can ultimately compromise the quality of the final deliverable as teams struggle to accommodate the additional work.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of project management. Expanding project deadlines can be a consequence of scope creep, but it does not encapsulate the essence of what scope creep is. Similarly, a reduction of project resources or team members leaving the project addresses issues concerning manpower and budget management, rather than the specific phenomenon of uncontrolled expansion of project requirements that scope creep signifies.