Project Monitoring Methods

Posted by SkillMaker in Dec, 2016

Project Monitoring Methods

Project monitoring methods are the different methods and means by which the ongoing success of a project is measured.

Regular project monitoring is essential, because it allows the project team and the Project Manager to evaluate whether:

  • the project is proceeding as planned (within cost budgets and according to the schedule)
  • the team is working effectively, with resources being efficiently used
  • the project is staying within the expected project boundaries.

Regular monitoring allows managers to identify anything not ‘going to plan’ early. They can then take remedial action quickly, before the problem (and any consequent time, cost or scope blow-outs) develops further. Lack of monitoring has the converse effect: problems can build and accelerate so that they become very difficult to control or to reverse without adverse consequences for the project.

Project stakeholders may also use various project monitoring methods to stay informed about current project progress. This external project monitoring, however, is normally agreed in advance.

Qualitative and quantitative methods

In general, monitoring is either quantitative or qualitative:

  • Quantitative methods use numerical data to evaluate the project. These methods may include financial auditing, auditing of resources and analysis of person-hours spent on the project.
  • Qualitative methods monitor non-numerical aspects of the project. Methods may include holding certain meetings, providing certain reports, interviewing team members and analysing project documentation.

The type(s) of project monitoring methods chosen may depend on what phase the project is currently in, or what particular information is sought.

Project monitoring methods are usually decided upon during the project planning phase, so that team members know when the monitoring will take place and what format it will take.

Additional information

For more information about project monitoring methods and why you should use them, visit:

http://cife.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/WP112.pdf

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