Updating a Schedule
UPDATING METRICS
Because measuring progress during project execution is extremely important, it is surprising that many Project Managers put so much time and effort into creating a project execution plan and supporting baseline project schedule, but they do not always put the same level of energy and discipline into maintaining it during the execution of the project. It is extremely important during execution that the schedule reflects what the project status is at that point in time, as well as how the remaining work is planned to be completed. It is the only way to ensure accurate milestone date estimates.
Progress tracking is the responsibility of the Project Planner. During the transition from planning to execution, a Project Planner establishes the progress update processes and forums. These processes are both formal (e.g. submitting updates via a tool) and informal (e.g. soliciting input in one-on-one meetings). A productive Project Planner will ensure that these update processes are linked to other project meetings and activities, such as progress meetings and progress reports.
It is important that the entire project team understands that the progress/update meetings and reporting carry a high priority on site. A Project Manager can be very helpful in establishing and enforcing schedule updates.
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INCLUDED IN THIS CHAPTER: Purpose of updating, Updating metrics, Comparisons between metrics in the different software packages, Progress expressed as percentage units (work) complete, Progress expressed as percentage duration complete, Progress expressed as physical percentage complete, Accuracy of progress reporting, Progress s-curves, Updating strategies, Updating frequency, Updating forums, Updating rules, Re-scheduling & Effects of updating.