Project control has three elements:
– Setting targets
– Assessing performance against these targets
– Taking action if the targets are not being met (the project is out of control).
Setting targets:
Performance measurements can include:
– Expenditure (cost).
– Schedule (time) performance – avoiding schedule slippage is a key objective.
– Scope measures – both product scope and project scope
– Functional quality.
– Technical quality performance
– Issue management performance
– Client satisfaction measures.
Assessing performance:
A well-constructed plan with clear deliverable should make it very easy to track progress. The project manager should set up mechanisms whereby the team regularly reviews what tasks have been completed or delayed and what the impact is on the rest of the plan.
This process is aided by specific project gateways. This will be review points that are planned for critical points in the project. The reviews will also ensure that the business case which justified the project is still valid at this stage.
If problems are identified then project control measures and corrective action will be necessary.
Threat identification:
The following can threaten the success of a project. Identifying these in advance can help reduce the risk of slippage and other potential problems:
– Poor management
– Poor planning
– Lack of control mechanisms
– Unrealistic deadlines
– Insufficient budget
– Moving targets.
Project control:
Controlling the project means:
– Taking early corrective action when needed
– Balancing project effort
– Looking for where effort can be reduced
– Making changes early rather than late