Monitoring and Controlling a Project

 

Monitoring and Controlling a Project

After a plan has been produced, it should be followed and the work authorized in accordance with the plan. If there is to be a change in the plan, then the plan should be formally changed. If necessary, the client should be informed and when required by the contract, approval for the change should be sought. If the plan is not followed, then it may be difficult to obtain approval for extension of time claims and will make dispute resolution more difficult.

Monitoring a project ensures the project provides management with historical data, trends and deviations from plan allowing them to make decisions and control the project. It should record the:

• Dates that work was started and completed

• Hours and cost required to complete the work

• Deliverables/products produced

Monitoring would also:

• Confirm the required quality is being met

• Provide trends that may be used for forecasting the remainder of the project

• Record historical data for use in assisting in planning future projects

• Obtain data required for preparing extension of time claims and for dispute resolution.

Controlling is the next level of management, analyzing the progress to date and trends to:

• Ensure that the project is being executed according to the plan

• Compare the project’s progress with the original plan

• Review options in the case of deviations

• Forecast problems as early as possible, which enables corrective action to be taken as early as possible.