Page 262 - DCAP304_DCAP515_SOFTWARE_PROJECT_MANAGEMENT

Software Project Management

Notes 12.10 Summary

 Controls are actions taken as a result of reports. When implemented, controls are designed
to bring actual project status back into conformance with the project plan.

 There are three reasons to use reports in your project: (i) To track progress, (ii) To detect
variance from plan, and (iii) To take corrective action.

 The more controls that are put in place, the lower the project risk, and the less likely it will
be for the project to get in trouble.
 The project manager needs to strike a balance between the extent of the control system and
the risk of unfavorable outcomes. Control and quality are positively correlated with one
another.

 To make sure that the project proceeds according to plan, you need to establish a reporting
system that keeps you informed of the many variables that describe how the project is
proceeding as compared to the plan.

12.11 Keywords

Controls: Controls are actions taken as a result of reports.
Current Period Reports: These reports cover only the most recently completed period.
Cumulative Reports: These reports contain the history of the project from the beginning to the
end of the current report period.
Exception Reports: Exception reports report variances from plan.
Variance Reports: Variance reports, report differences between what was planned and what
actually happened.
Variances: Variances are deviations from plan.

12.12 Review Questions

1. What are controls in project management?

2. What are the reasons to use reports in your project?
3. Write a short note on “balancing the control system.”
4. What are the characteristics of a reporting system?
5. Discuss the various types of project status reports.
6. What is the purpose of different colors of stickers in spotlight reports?

7. What are variance reports?
8. What should be the frequency of gathering and reporting project progress?
9. Differentiate between the positive and negative variances.

10. Why do we need Graphical Reporting Tools for reporting system?
11. How can WBS be used to report project status?

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