Frank is a project team member in your project. Frank has been adding changes to the software interface for the software that your project is creating. Because Frank has been adding these features…

Gold plating refers to adding extras beyond requirements intentionally, typically by the PM or team to impress stakeholders, not the same as unauthorized scope additions that introduce risk.

Scope creep refers to uncontrolled expansion of project scope without proper authorization through the integrated change control process. Frank adding features on his own initiative, outside of any approved change request, is the textbook definition of scope creep. The resulting new risks and the cost and time required to remove those features are direct consequences of this unmanaged scope expansion.

Negative risks are threats identified in the risk register, not the label for unauthorized feature additions made by a team member.

Corrective actions are responses taken to bring project performance back in line with the plan, not the name for the unauthorized features themselves.