Unit 6: Monitoring and Controlling Projects
The monitoring and controlling phase is typically done in parallel with the execution phase of a project. Monitoring and controlling is about making sure the project is on track in terms of scope, schedule, and budget. Risks are monitored and, when realized, acted upon based on the project plan put in place. Procurements are monitored for quality and to assure that the vendors are meeting expectations. Finally, the overall quality of the project deliverables is monitored, and corrective action is initiated when needed. In addition to monitoring and controlling the project, performance reporting occurs in this phase. Project status reports are generated and distributed to the appropriate stakeholders.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 7 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- plan various communication requirements during project execution;
- compare actual progress to plans, update information, monitor implementation of project and changes;
- apply metrics and reporting techniques to monitor and control a project;
- identify variances and tolerances to set the boundaries for acceptable results;
- evaluate the use of earned value analysis to complete work performance reports; and
- determine if a project is on schedule or on budget using project software reporting features.
- plan various communication requirements during project execution;
6.1: Resource Control
This chapter provides a variety of techniques for monitoring the resources used within your project. The emphasis is on human resources, but the principles can be applied to any project resource.
This chapter discusses a variety of tasks and techniques that the project manager must use when managing the project schedule. Tracking and reporting the project, as well as resource leveling, are discussed.
6.2: Cost Controls
This video gives an overview of earned value management, defines the terms used, and demonstrates how EVM can be used to determine if a project is performing on schedule or on budget.
6.3: Performance Measurement
This chapter provides a detailed overview of the processes involved in monitoring and reporting project performance.
This video demonstrates how to calculate cost variance, one component of earned value.
This quick video focuses on understanding and calculating schedule variance in projects. Remember that schedule variance is one of the components of earned value.
6.4: Planning and Managing Communications
This chapter addresses various methods of communicating with a project team and stakeholders.
This video examines project communications from a planning perspective to ensure your stakeholders are informed.
6.5: Monitoring Communications
This video demonstrates how effective project communications can manage stakeholder expectations. You will notice that this area overlaps with project status reporting and stakeholder management. Pay attention to what it means to communicate effectively.
This chapter examines communication in general and demonstrates various considerations for effective communication in a variety of situations.
6.6: The Project Manager
This article discusses six ways a project manager can provide value through project status reports.
6.7: Managing Projects with Software
This chapter discusses the basic features, functions, and benefits of using software for managing project schedules.
This video demonstrates a few of the reports available in Microsoft Project, one of the project management software tools available for use by project managers. Reports featured include cost overview and project overview.
This video demonstrates how to use Microsoft Project to capture two important variables in earned value: Cost variance and Schedule variance.
Unit 6 Study Resources
This review video is an excellent way to review what you've learned so far and is presented by one of the professors who created the course.
Watch this as you work through the unit and prepare to take the final exam.
- Unit 6 Review Slides File PDF document
You can also download the presentation slides so you can make notes.
We also recommend that you review this Study Guide before taking the Unit 6 Assessment.
Unit 6 Assessment
- Receive a grade
Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
- This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
- You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
- You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.