What could be a negative outcome of scope creep?

Scope creep refers to the uncontrolled changes or continuous growth in a project's scope, often without adjustments to time, cost, or resources. When scope creep occurs, one of the primary negative outcomes is an increase in project costs. This can arise as additional tasks and requirements are added, leading to more resources needed, such as time, personnel, and materials, to complete the project. These added responsibilities can significantly burden the team's capacity and focus, potentially overwhelming resources and leading to delays and inefficiencies.

Moreover, as the project expands beyond its original intentions, the budget may not adequately accommodate these new demands, thus escalating expenses unexpectedly. This can cause financial strain on the project, which could lead to the need for more funding, a potential decrease in project quality if corners are cut, or, in severe cases, the project's failure if it becomes too unmanageable. Therefore, the correct choice highlights the detrimental impact of scope creep on project finances and overall management.