QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF SCOPE CREEP SOURCES IN LARGE-SCALE PUBLIC SECTOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN EGYPT.

Scope creep is a prevalent issue in large-scale public sector construction projects (LSPSCPs) in developing countries like Egypt. It undermines project success by gradually expanding project activities beyond their initial boundaries, often due to poor feasibility studies, bureaucratic delays, cost-cutting strategies, and weak project management practices. Despite the application of project management methods, the inability to accurately identify and address the root causes of scope creep remains a challenge. In Egypt, scope creep has led to abandoned projects, time overruns, and cost escalations, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of its antecedents and consequences. Addressing this issue requires balancing the key project constraints of time, cost, and scope while identifying strategies to mitigate its impacts. Mismanagement of scope creep continues to strain resources and extend timelines, further exacerbating inefficiencies.This study adopts a qualitative research design, using standardized questionnaires to gather insights from project managers, site engineers, and stakeholders involved in major construction projects. Data analysis techniques, including reliability analysis, chi-square tests, correlation, and regression analysis, were employed to identify significant factors contributing to scope creep and their impacts on project time and cost. The study emphasizes the importance of adopting modern tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM), formalizing instructions, improving communication, and enhancing risk management frameworks. These measures aim to prevent undocumented changes, distribute risks fairly, and ensure sustainable project outcomes. Understanding the root causes and impacts of scope creep is essential for developing effective control strategies in Egypt’s construction sector.