Which approach significantly minimizes scope creep?

Frequent communication with stakeholders is essential in minimizing scope creep because it ensures that all parties involved have a clear understanding of project objectives, requirements, and any evolving needs. When stakeholders are regularly updated and engaged in conversations about the project's progress and challenges, they can provide timely feedback and clarify expectations. This ongoing dialogue helps in identifying potential changes or new requirements early on, allowing the project team to assess the implications and make informed decisions without deviating from the project's original goals. Effective communication fosters collaboration and reduces misunderstandings that can lead to unauthorized changes or additions to the project scope, thus driving the project more efficiently towards its intended outcomes.

The other approaches mentioned do not directly promote the necessary engagement with stakeholders that communication offers. For example, delaying changes until project completion might seem protective, but it can lead to significant issues being uncovered too late, necessitating bigger adjustments that are not well managed. Strictly adhering to the initial project plan can be rigid and unresponsive to actual needs, while encouraging informal discussions might not ensure all stakeholders are on the same page. Each of these lacks the proactive engagement that frequent communication provides, making it an effective strategy against scope creep.