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 Information!  What information is expected in a progress report?  The answer to this question depends, as you might expect, on the project undertaken.

 A progress report is a specific kind of memo that summarizes recent and future work on a specific project.  The exact content and format of a progress report may vary, but the purpose is the same: to let your Group / management know if the work is going smoothly, where you have encountered problems, and whether you are able to keep to the initial plan.  Progress reports may also explain whether you can finish the project on time and within budget.

 Regular status reports help ensure that the Group has clear visibility to the true state of a project and that the members stay properly informed about project progress, difficulties, and issues.  Frequent communication of project status and issues is a vital part of effective project risk management.

 INTRODUCTION  CONTENT  CONCLUSION

 What the project is and why it is important.  Explain who is affected by the project, when the work began, and when you expect it to end.  Finally, outline in specific terms the overall status of the project so the Group / management can see at a glance where you are and what you have left to do.

 The current status of the project.  Provide an outline of what parts of the project you have already completed: What important tasks have you finished? What decisions and discoveries have you made?  Next, describe what work you still have to complete. Use chronological order to show your audience what steps are yet to come and how long you think those steps will take.

 You should also describe any problems that have arisen during the project. If you solved those problems, explain how. If you did not solve them, show that you have at least one solution in mind.  Think about what problems might arise, too. This will show your Group / management that you have thought carefully about the project and how you will complete it.

 End your progress report by summarizing the current status of the project, good news, and key problems. State again whether the project will be completed on time and on budget.

 1. Background on the project itself.  2. Discussion of achievements since last reporting.  3. Discussion of problems that have arisen.  4. Discussion of work that lies ahead.  5. Assessment of whether you will meet the objectives in the proposed schedule and budget.