Project Control n How do I spot problems? n What do I do once I find them? n How do I stay on track? n What happened to my plan? n How do I stay flexible? n How do I keep the focus?

Project Control – What Is It? n Understanding that your plan may hit a few rough spots along the way can be the key to making it go more smoothly in the long run. n Planning often requires less than 10% of your time. Control and Execution will comprise over 90% of your time. n Project control is the process of overseeing the implementation of the project plan. n Project control involves monitoring progress, anticipating, discovering and resolving problems, and replanning to get back on track.

Purpose of Project Control n Identify problems –Anticipated problems –Surprises n Solve problems n Get the project back on track as soon as possible after the problem has been identified.

Guidelines for Problem Solving in Groups n Everyone must play by the rules. (P. 232) n Have each member start his or her view of the problem for one minute n Develop alternative in “waves”. n Identify the top three solutions that would appear to solve the problem for all concerned, and get the group to choose the best one. n Develop an implementation plan for the solution chosen by asking the group. n Implement the solution, keeping the top two other solutions on file as “Plan B” or “Plan C”.

Get Back on Track n Update the your plan when problem occurs. n Consider how the problem affects the rest of your schedule and your cost predictions. n Keep everyone on the same page when project plan updates.

Approaches to Project Control n Dogmatic Approach – Stick to original schedule and deadline. n Laid-Back Approach – Plan is amorphous and constantly changing. n Pragmatic Approach – A healthy blend.

Project Control Process n Communication n Participation – Inspire your team members to participate. n Analysis – Impact Analysis n Action – Take an Demand Actions n Commitment – Towards goals, schedule, and the project management concept that you established.

My Personal Experience n Identify the problem and perform root cause analysis and impact analysis. n Assign priority to problems identified. n Assign the problem to the right individual on the team. n Use an issue tracking tool, such as Jira, to track statuses of problems identified. n Try not to affect tasks on critical path.