Maintaining Control During Project Execution 163keeping control over all four of these dimensions of success as
we move ahead.
Required Process Elements
Detailed project plans are created to satisfy two basic objec-
tives: first, to provide a map for the project team to follow dur-
ing project execution; and second, to provide you with an
instrument you can use to evaluate whether or not the project is
staying on course. Simply stated, you won’t be able to maintain
control over the project if you do not have a credible and prop-
erly detailed plan.
Your ability to evaluate progress on your project, calculate
your variance from plan, and predict the future depends upon a
number of key process elements. Among these elements are
the following:
- A baseline of measurement
- Processes and methods for gathering data
- An ability to get good data
- An emphasis on timeliness
- Processes, tools, and methods for analyzing past, pres-
ent, and future performance
Let’s examine each in more detail.
How Do You Establish a Baseline of Measurement?
The baseline of measurement is actually represented by your
project plan. This includes your control schedule, project budget,
and any design or performance specifications related to project
Pay Attention to Deliverable Performance!
Meeting cost and schedule targets can often receive an inor-
dinate amount of a project manager’s attention. But if the
quality and functionality of the project deliverables is not monitored and
maintained, an inferior product may be delivered to an unhappy cus-
tomer.As part of your project control efforts, continually verify that the
standards of deliverable performance that you promised are being main-
tained.There’s truth in the old adage:“They might forget if it cost too
much or took too long, but they’ll never forget if it doesn’t work!”