Find out here difference between gold plating and scope creep, which is common in all projects

Gold Plating

Intentionally adding extra features to product/service/result, which were not included in the scope. Gold plating usually performed to make the client happy.

Scope Creep

Uncontrolled changes in scope due to interference of customer or misunderstanding of scope by the project team/manager. Scope creep can also be result of poor communication, poor change control system, vague scope statement, changing market conditions, regulatory requirements or influence from a key stakeholder.

How to Prevent Scope Creep and Gold Plating in Projects?

1. Assign accountability: Assign specific individuals or teams to be responsible for managing scope and avoiding gold plating. Make sure everyone understands the consequences of scope creep and gold plating.

2. Set up change management processes: Establish a clear process for requesting, evaluating, and implementing changes to the project scope. This helps prevent unnecessary changes and gold plating.

3. Conduct regular reviews: Schedule regular check-ins with stakeholders to assess progress and ensure that the project is still aligned with its original objectives and scope.

4. Use a project management tool: Utilize a project management tool to track progress, prioritize tasks, and keep everyone on the same page.

5. Communicate project goals and scope regularly: Ensure all stakeholders are aware of the project's objectives, scope, and any changes made to them. Regular communication helps avoid misunderstandings that can lead to scope creep and gold plating.

6. Define clear project objectives and scope: Establish clear and concise project goals, timelines, and budgets that everyone involved in the project can understand and agree on.

 Trends in Project Management

The latest trends in project management include:

1. Adoption of Agile Methodology: The use of Agile approaches such as Scrum and Kanban is on the rise for their versatility and ability to adjust to shifting project needs.

2. Remote Work Acceleration: The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly propelled the trend of remote work and virtual collaboration in project management.

3. Incorporation of Artificial Intelligence: AI and machine learning are being utilized more frequently to automate project management processes, including resource allocation, risk management, and project forecasting.

4. Emphasis on Stakeholder Engagement: Effective stakeholder engagement and communication has become a focal point, especially in a remote work setting.

5. Project Portfolio Management: Organizations are taking a strategic approach to managing multiple projects, using PPM tools and techniques to prioritize and align projects with business goals.

6. Hybrid Approaches: Many companies are combining traditional Waterfall methods with Agile practices to achieve the best results in project management.

7. Sustainability and Social Responsibility: An increasing number of organizations are incorporating sustainability and social responsibility into their project management processes, to ensure positive impacts on society and the environment.

These were the latest trends in project management. In the coming future we see that more and more new things will emerge in the field of project management as the industries continue thrive to improve and need of project optimization increases.

PMBOK Performance Domains

The PMBOK 7th edition includes 8 performance domains that are grouped together to provide a more holistic view of project management. These PMBOK Performance Domains are as follows:

1. Strategy Alignment: This domain covers the alignment of project management with organizational strategy and the ability to understand and align project objectives with organizational objectives.

2. Technical Project Management: This domain talks about the application of skills, knowledge, tools and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements.

3.  Business Environment: This domain gives the understanding of the internal and external environment in which the project functions, including the impact of the project on the organization as well as stakeholders.

4.  Lifecycle Management: This domain talks about the ability to manage a project throughout its lifecycle, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and then closing.

5. Stakeholder Management: This domain covers the ability to identify, analyze, and manage stakeholders, including their expectations and engagement throughout the project.

6. Professional responsibility: This domain covers the understanding and demonstration of ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of the project management profession on society.

7. Agile Project Management: This domain covers the ability to apply agile principles, values, and practices to deliver project value.

These project management domains offer a thorough understanding of project management and aid in project managers' comprehension of the key components of a project and how they relate to one another. With this strategy, project managers can concentrate on the project's overall goals rather to merely its technical details.