The purpose of Project Monitoring and Control (PMC) is to provide an understanding of the project’s progress so that appropriate corrective actions can be taken when the project’s performance deviates significantly from the plan.

A project’s documented plan is the basis for monitoring activities, communicating status, and taking corrective action. Progress is primarily determined by comparing actual work product and task attributes, effort, cost, and schedule to the plan at prescribed milestones or control levels within the project schedule or work breakdown structure (WBS). Appropriate visibility enables timely corrective action to be taken when performance deviates significantly from the plan. A deviation is significant if, when left unresolved, it precludes the project from meeting its objectives.

The term “project plan” is used throughout these practices to refer to the overall plan for controlling the project.

When actual status deviates significantly from the expected values, corrective actions are taken as appropriate. These actions may require replanning, which may include revising the original plan, establishing new agreements, or including additional mitigation activities within the current plan.

Refer to the Project Planning process area for more information about the project plan, including how it specifies the appropriate level of project monitoring, the measures used to monitor progress, and known risks.

Refer to the Measurement and Analysis process area for information about the process of measuring, analyzing, and recording information.

Specific Goal and Practice Summary

SG 1 Monitor Project Against Plan

SP 1.1  Monitor Project Planning Parameters

SP 1.2  Monitor Commitments

SP 1.3  Monitor Project Risks

SP 1.4  Monitor Data Management

SP 1.5  Monitor Stakeholder Involvement

SP 1.6  Conduct Progress Reviews

SP 1.7  Conduct Milestone Reviews

SG 2 Manage Corrective Action to Closure

SP 2.1  Analyze Issues

SP 2.2  Take Corrective Action

SP 2.3  Manage Corrective Action