When Projects Simply Must Finish On Time
Project managers need early warning when a late finish becomes likely.
Project Progress Tracking brings the power of statistical process control to project managers who need:
- Early warning of a likely late finish or early finish.
- Up-to-the minute comparisons of project plans with actual progress.
- Visual updates on schedule gains and losses, easily understood by everyone.
Read the full article Project Management: Statistical Process Control for Project Progress Charting online.
Track Progress With Statistical Process Control
The progress chart is similar to statistical process-control charts used in manufacturing. The chart puts current performance into historical context, serving as a focus for discussion for everyone involved with project planning and execution.
The example below charts progress for a project originally planned with a 32-week critical path, but ultimately took 39 weeks to finish. However, the progress chart warned early in week 8 that a late finish had become very likely. The project manager has two possible responses to this kind of warning: Either (1) add resources and effort, so as to bring project progress back on schedule, or (2) Simply let management know that the project is going to finish late.
An example project progress control chart. The original plan called for project finish in 32.5 weeks. However, the control chart warned in week 8 that a late finish was likely. The slope of the "Actual Project Progress" line shows everyone that tasks consistently took longer than planned. Had management taken action in week 8, an on time finish might have been possible.
Take Action!
Read the full article Project Management: Statistical Process Control for Project Progress Charting online.
Try the Excel-based Progress Charting tool, Project Progress Pro.
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By Marty Schmidt. Copyright © 2004-2016.
Published by Solution Matrix Limited.
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