Scope creep is inevitable, but managing it well ensures flexibility without losing focus. A decade ago, while leading a data migration project for Telco, shifting milestones impacted the scope. I tackled this by: Prioritizing critical data sets to keep core objectives on track. Implementing change control to assess and manage new requests. Using an agile execution model for phased migration and risk mitigation. Aligning stakeholders to ensure business needs matched project goals. Optimizing resources and timelines to accommodate changes efficiently. The key is to embrace change strategically while maintaining project clarity.

Scope creep is often perceived as a challenge, but any experienced project manager understands that it is inevitable. Rather than resisting it, the key lies in managing it effectively to ensure that business objectives remain on track. Instead of rigidly resisting change, Agile methodologies provide a structured way to embrace evolving requirements. Maintaining a prioritized backlog, executing incremental sprints, and ensuring continuous stakeholder collaboration help absorb changes without derailing focus. The key is balancing flexibility with governance—evaluating trade-offs, aligning changes with business goals, and leveraging automation to predict trends.

Para garantizar la flexibilidad en una estrategia de TI sin perder el enfoque, es esencial encontrar un equilibrio entre la adaptabilidad y la alineación con los objetivos empresariales. - Definir un objetivo estratégico claro que guíe todas las decisiones tecnológicas. - Adoptar arquitecturas modulares y escalables (microservicios o arquitecturas de nube). - Priorización de iniciativas en función del impacto que tienen en la empresa. - Utilizar metodologías ágiles como Scrum puede ayudar a gestionar el cambio de forma eficaz. - Implementar soluciones de automatización y herramientas de integración. - Monitoreo continuo. - Implementar gestión de riesgos para asegurar que la flexibilidad no dé lugar a problemas de seguridad.

Scope creep is a vital issue for any well prepared strategy and specially for IT strategy and we have to be ready to manage this cases proactively by: 1- Establish a crystal-clear IT strategy with well-defined goals, priorities, and success metrics. 2- Align every request with business objectives before considering any additions. 3- Use a formal change request process where all scope changes must be evaluated against the strategy. 4- Prioritize the change using MoSCoW method. 5- Use an efficient Managment strategy for each of your stakeholders based on power-interest method. 6- Strengthen vendor and contractual controls (clear scope and SLA, flexible clauses for future negotiations). 7-Leverage technology and automation

Defining clear objectives is not enough if the drift is already underway. It is necessary to identify the root causes of the discrepancies and adapt the approach accordingly. The main cause of drift is the lack of adequacy between objectives (even clearly defined) and means (planning, skills, resources, financial). In this case, the objectives must be reviewed and adapted to any changes that may have occurred since their definition. And may'be change priorities. Many IT teams find themselves facing this type of problem: an overlapping of projects with too limited resources. Defending your beliefs and factualize priorities can help.