Scope Creep in Large-Scale Projects: Lessons from Denver International Airport

Widely regarded as a project’s boundary, project scope management is viewed as a critical knowledge area in project management (PMBOK). However, the complexity of scope management makes its definition complicated as it is influenced by various external factors, including political, technological, and organizational factors, which tend to significantly redefine a project’s lifecycle. In the situation where there are shortcomings in the project’s scope, these interferences could have adverse implications on the overall project, such as increased expenses and extended timelines. The Denver International Airport (DIA)project provides an intriguing case study in understanding the importance of scope management in the success or failure of a project. Hence, this study investigated the DIA’s automated baggage project from the lens of scope management. Findings indicated factors such as project complexity, inadequate change control mechanisms, communication gap, and inconsistent strategy behind the project’s collapse. The study has academic and practical implications for large-scale projects.