Controlling Project Schedule Progress, Using Control Charts

Abstract

ABSTRACTFor monitoring the status of project activities, project costs, and for controlling the project, the Earned Value Management system (EVM) is extensively used by both researchers and practitioners. However, using only EVM methodology to control a project schedule, the project manager will not know accurately when to take the appropriate corrective measures or when to exploit opportunities for the project. We suggest in this work using both EVM methodology and statistical process control (SPC) in order to better control a project schedule progress. Using the software R, a control chart for monitoring the Schedule Performance Index (SPI) individual observations is designed for the application of the study. We present results and conclusions about unusually slow or unusually fast work progress for a construction project, about the link between the schedule progress and the project team stages of development, and about the entry data necessary to design a project control chart for controlling the schedule of a project.