Theterm “Mission Creep” with the Military can be applied to “Scope Creep” in a LSS Project. The constant tension to solve problems has to be tempered with the fact that many problems are “Elephants” that need to be eaten one bite a time. The issue of Mission/Scope Creep boils down to being able to define what is critical and what is not (CTQ). At a higher level, this may represent a Balanced Scorecard, KPI’s, etc.

Most Army units don’t measure their outputs. However, the Army uses a material weakness report to outline and list what prevents them from accomplishing its mission. By essentially transforming this report to measurable KPI’s, the Army can begin to focus on its; critical processes and prioritze is improvement efforts.